Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Saturday, April 20th. Meeting room, 6:55 p.m.

ALEXEI

—Our man keeps in touch, any changes or developments in Dimitri's plan, he will inform me — Adrik notifies, with the same efficiency as always.

—Perfect — Yaakov nods in agreement —. All the preparations have been made and the men are more than ready — he confirms the time on his wristwatch —. If we want to be on time, we should leave now.

—Good — I stand and adjust my jacket —. Fred and Lev will stay with Xander. The rest of you know what to do.

—But why don't you ever let me go out and have fun now? — Lev squeals in anger, jumping out of the chair, arms crossed over his chest —. I'm perfectly capable of kicking a few asses, even more so if they're human.

—Please, Lev — my cousin pinches the bridge of his nose, and Xander giggles —. Don't start.

—Shut up if you know what's good for you — gives Yaakov a killer stare —. I'm going to rust from all this inactivity, I don't even remember how to aim anymore.

—I don't think that confession will help your cause much, Lev — Xander laughs harder.

—Oh, by the Moon. Alex, let me go. Please — joining hands like praying and with pleading eyes that do not affect me.

—No way, the decision's already been made. We're almost ready to go, Lev. You can't leave Xander unprotected.

—Well, no. But...

—But nothing — I cut him off before continuing —. We don't know how things will turn out. We must be prepared for any situation, and that includes you staying here and protecting my partner. Don't bother opening your mouth again, it won't do any good.

—It's your turn to look after the chicks, Mummy Lev — Nikon's mocking, standing up.

—I'm sorry, Lev — Xander whispers after noticing his annoying face. Lev sighs and his body loses some of its tension.

—It's all right, baby boy — smiles —. Orders are orders, after all. We'll find something to amuse ourselves or go and bother old Ewa again.

—She loves Xander and me — Fred says —. You're the only one who bothers her.

—Me? — Lev whines, outraged, and I'm already getting bored of this pointless discussion —. But if I'm adorable, everyone loves me.

ticking, so everyone get to your posts.

Angelo told me he'd send some men to help protect us — his eyes don't meet mine and seems a bit insecure —. Do you have a problem with that? — Xander pinches me in the side,

and he doesn't have to open the mouth to reveal a request for me

his gaze rises quickly to mine and a big smile is drawn on

Thank you, Alex — mumbles, and leaves. Finally Xander and I are alone in the room, both standing in front of

your promise, Magnus — says in a shaky whisper once

Don't cry, my love — sobs and my heart compresses inside my chest —. Come here — I surround his waist to attract him to my body, he rests a wet cheek on my chest and his hands hold tightly the fabric

Tremors dominating his body.

sorry, I didn't mean to cry — his head tilts back to see me and I take the opportunity to wipe the thin tears from his face

It'll be all right. We're ready

course I trust you, Magnus — replies with determination

and you can take advantage of me any way you want — laughs softly and that's a relief —. I love you, Xander. My body, my heart, and my soul are

and rubs his nose with mine —. And I love you, too, to the

to part, even though we both knew that in the end, we would have to. And it was precisely the knock on the door of the big room that indicated that

ashamed to have interrupted. I

then kisses me again, albeit for

burden

entrance, several cars are parked with the engine running, waiting for my order to leave. Yaakov and I will lead the way, being followed by Nikon and Adrik in the company

ready to

in the forest, at a prudent distance. This will make us walk around another hour to reach the entrance of the tunnel. Adrik's henchman will give us the signal indicating the exit of Dimitri's men so we can advance and start the attack. I can

take it? — my cousin asks, not taking

I sigh as I

steering wheel —. He told me if I got hurt, he'd put me on abstinence for three months, man — his face turns in my direction with an expression

to imagine — I tease, rolling my eyes and focusing

watch him —. My balls will end up blue. They could even fall out

fist up and down

voice or serious countenance —. I can see your mood is lousy — then, adds in such a low voice

just want to get this shit over with, Yaak,

rest of the journey goes by in a heavy silence and although I am in the company of my cousin, it feels uncomfortable

the time we reach the edge of the forest, we turn off the lights of the cars and park them near a creek surrounded by huge trees and big bushes, perfect for hiding the vehicles. We all step out, making as little sound as possible, even though we are far enough from the mansion to not be detected. Still, we don't want to take any chances. We prepare the weapons

be that way. I imagine that as the Alpha that I am,

of handling the situation by calling in their animal side, which gives us an incredible advantage over the humans working for Dimitri.