Second Assault — Bond And Treason —

Chapter 32 - The Moon Is Never Wrong

Wednesday, April 17th. Fredek's room, 7:25 p.m.

XANDER

—Fredek Magnus, open the damn door this instant!

Magnus keeps banging on the door, and I'm sure if Fred takes a little longer, he won't have any trouble

breaking it down. It was a complete disaster after he heard Lev and me talking in the hallway. He

turned red with rage, ranting against Derek and Angelo without filtering or rest.

I had to use our bond to calm him down a bit, but when he finally did, and I thought I had a chance to

convince him to address the issue another time, he turned and walked away so fast that Lev and I had

to practically run to catch up. It wasn't even necessary to ask where he was going.

—Fuck! Now what do we do? — Lev exclaims in a muffled scream, though I doubt he needs to

whisper. With Magnus' screams, there's no way he'll hear us.

—Honestly, I have no idea. You saw that I tried to soothe him, but it didn't work — I bite my thumbnail

for the nerves.

—Poor Fred. When Alex gets in there, a war will break out.

—Lev, please don't say that — my hands are shaking slightly, I feel the fear in my body increasing —.

I'm worried enough, you're making it worse.

—Well, what do you want me to say? — Hands up, exasperated —. That they're going to have a nice

afternoon of tea and cookies? — I roll the eyes, showing him my middle finger —. Why don't you try to

get closer? Maybe now he'll listen to you.

—You must be joking — surprise reflecting on my face —. If he didn't listen to me before, now that

Derek and Angelo's scent is so intense, I doubt he will this time — and fuck, we can smell it from three

doors back.

—Damn it! — Magnus roars, beating the door so hard I can hear it creak —. Fuck it, I'll smash it down

— he takes a few steps back, removes his vest, leaving it carelessly discarded on the floor, gaining

impulse to crash into the already battered piece of wood.

—No, Magnus! — I raise both hands in his direction to stop him —. Wait, don't do it.

—Xander, you'd better stay out of this — mumbles, though his countenance softens when he looks at

me —. I'm pretty pissed off right now and I need to get some fucking answers.

—I know, honey — I slowly get closer to him, producing waves of my pheromones as a last resort to try

and reassure him —. But listen to me, this is not the best way to do things.

—Xander — warns me.

—Magnus — I interrupt before he can continue, and I can read in his face that I'm making progress as I

continue to approach —. Please, don't do anything you'll regret. At least allow him to explain everything

— When I am finally in front of him, I place the hands in his arms and I can sense him shaking from the

tension and the contained rage. I gently caress him, climbing up to his neck and hollowing the cheeks

—. Listen to him, my love.

I whisper and stand on the tip of my toes so I can kiss his mouth. He closes the eyes tightly and, after a

few long seconds, wraps his arms around my waist, squeezing me closer to his body.

—Magnus — I mutter on his lips to get his attention, he slowly opens the eyes and watches me —. You

must remain calm, don't lose control. Please? — He looks at me for a long moment, until finally nods.

His strong hands are squeezing my hips and I feel his breathing regulating —. I'll be by your side the

whole time, honey. I'm just asking you to give him a chance to explain. Okay? — Nods again —. Good.

I kissed him again, briefly and subtly, before separating and reaching for his hand.

He intertwines our fingers and takes a deep breath. I walk towards the door and now, with softer

touches, I ask permission to enter.

—Fred, you can open up now — I raise my voice to make sure he can hear me.

—No, I won't — I know he's afraid and it's understandable, I'd be terrified in his position. I feel a

squeeze in my hand but I ignore it and continue to insist.

—We just want to talk, I promise.

—You know my brother, Xander — even though his voice is muffled by the door, I can hear the

sarcasm in the sentence —. He's all about "hitting and then talking", I won't let him hurt any of my

partners.

—He won't this time, I give you my word — the silence extends further and through the bond I continue

to send serene vibes to Magnus, hoping that he will manage to maintain patience. Shortly afterward,

his grip on my hand loosens and I sigh of relief when I notice that it worked.

—I don't know, Xander... — There's some whispering, but I can't figure out what it is they're saying —.

All right, I'll open the door now — I signal to Lev to stand beside me, leaving Magnus behind us. He

grimaces as if to say, "Are you crazy?!", but eventually gives up with a resigned sigh, after the

murderous stare I give him back —. Xander, I hope you're right — Fred says before I hear the sound of

the latch unlocking.

I cast a glance at Magnus, but I cannot see any discernible expression on his face, only a small wrinkle

amidst the eyebrows, keeping the eyes on the ground. I know he's making great efforts to restrain

himself and I'm ensuring that I use the bond as much as I can to help him do so. Finally, the doorknob

is turned and the door slowly slides open, allowing the three of us to get the first peek inside. Fred is

standing in front of us, wearing a simple blue tank top and ripped jeans.

Angelo is sitting on the edge of the bed fully clothed in a flawless grey suit, along with a white shirt and

red tie. The caution in his eyes is evident. Derek, on the other hand, has the hip resting against the

desk at the side of the room, in a suit, too but completely black and with the arms crossed over his

chest. He does seem annoyed, but when our glances cross, drops his down, embarrassed. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

The smell of Alpha is very heavy. Lev and I wrinkle our noses as soon as it invades our nostrils. After

all, an Omega will only settle for the smell of his partner, so I imagine it's a paradise for Fred. Magnus

squeezes my hand again and I can feel him tense up. I only pray that my efforts through the bond are

not in vain.

—Can we come in? — I ask Fred quietly.

—I don't know, Xander — but he is watching everything except Magnus, I guess the poor guy must be

scared to death —. I don't think that's a good idea.

—We'll just talk, Fredek — Magnus assures, his deep, low voice startles me, although I try to recover

my posture immediately. That's when Fred looks up and the two brothers stare at each other for a long

moment in silence.

—Okay — Fred surrenders, releases the door, and stands in the middle of Angelo and Derek, hugging

his body as if he was cold.

Lev and I shared a cautious glance before entering the room. The sheets on the bed formed a huge

lump, suggesting that there was quite a bit of activity going on, but for the sake of all present, I reserve

the observation.

Fortunately, the light hanging from the ceiling is enough to illuminate everything, so I will not miss any

of their reactions. Even if I'm happy that Fred was able to get his two partners together, I still want to

check these two men's feelings for him. I imagine that's what Magnus wants too.

—Baby, the faster the better — Lev mumbles, smiling nervously. He takes a sideways glance at

Magnus, who stands immobile behind us.

—They're my partners, Alexei — Fred confesses quietly and peeking under his eyelashes. Magnus

emits a low growl and the grip on my hand becomes almost unbearable. I turn and stare at him as if I

wanted to blow his head off. He takes the hint and, with a deep breath, forces himself to calm down

again.

—How can you be sure? — he mumbles, and I focus on Fred's reaction.

—They've already claimed me, Alexei — Fredek reveals, indicating between Angelo and Derek —. You

know the bond would never have been formed if they weren't my Alphas.

—Magnus — Angelo calls and we all observe him standing up —. Your brother never intended for this

to happen, let alone Derek, and I thought we'd be paired up with the same Omega. But... It happened

— he walks up to Fred and gently wraps one arm around his waist —. Mother Moon has sent us both

to care for, protect and love him. And you have my word, that's exactly what we're going to do.

His expression is of pure determination, pronouncing every word with confidence and passion at the

same time. Fred's eyes fill with tears and a small squeal comes from Lev's lips, obviously moved.

—What about you? — Magnus demands, directing his attention to Derek, with a marked discomfort in

his tone —. Do you feel the same as Angelo?

—It's not your fucking problem — Derek mumbles back and I want to kick him in the balls.

—Derek! — Fred scolds, punching him in the shoulder. Derek doesn't even bother to look at him, too

preoccupied by challenging Magnus with his eyes —. Stop being an idiot and answer.

—I don't have to explain myself to him — spits with disdain —.This asshole has been on my back since

the first day, and I have a vague suspicion that no matter what I say, he won't believe me.

—And how do you propose I do that, damn you?! — my Alpha's scream makes the walls rumble.

Angelo places Fred behind and Derek stands beside him for support —. Less than a month ago, you

stalked my partner, waiting for the slightest opportunity to fall on top of him! — Magnus lets go of my

hand and a gasp comes out of my mouth as he picks me up, puts me on his back, straightening the

shoulders and imposing himself in all his great size —. What guarantees me that, what you supposedly

feel for my brother now, is real? — tone becoming dangerously threatening —. It could well be that

you're manipulating him, hoping to get something out of it.

I grab Magnus by the arm with my two hands, desperately trying to pacify him through the bond, but the

efforts don't seem to be working anymore. The veins in his neck can be spotted for miles and his eyes

are now a deep blue.

—Honey, please calm down — I whisper, but he ignores me. Lev, Fred, and I leave our necks exposed,

forced to demonstrate our submission to the most mighty Alpha in the room, whose painful power

overwhelms us.

Instead Angelo and Derek stand firm, defiant, ready to protect their partner, even if it means getting

seriously hurt or, in the worst case, dying in the attempt. They may be big and powerful cats, but

Magnus is an Alpha wolf at the top of his hierarchy, with a whole pack of shifters under his command

and control. That basically means that it gives him a handful of supernatural skills and abilities that

separate him from the rest of us.

In his animal form outgrows a mature lion in size and muscle mass, not to mention his ability to impose

dominance on others by forcing them to do his will. Of course, he directs that skill toward enemies,

never deliberately against his allies. That's why I'm so worried, because right now, Angelo and Derek

are dangerously close to becoming rivals.

—Whether you believe me or not, I don't give a shit, Magnus — Derek's pointing at Fred over his

shoulder —. But there's no force on this earth that can separate me from him. I've already claimed him,

he's mine — Angelo gives him a nudge in the side, getting his attention —. Ours — corrects quickly.

—And you think I'm just gonna sit still and watch you play football with my brother? — Magnus takes a

step forward and Lev and I try to stop him —. Well, you're fucking wrong.

—Oh, yeah? — Derek presses, smiling mischievously, his eyes turn a bright yellow —. Well, let's not

postpone what we can do now — he takes a step forward too and Fred and Angelo get in his way.

—Gentlemen, please — Angelo raises a hand to Magnus and one to Derek —. That's enough, this is

no time to act out in anger.

—And you don't tell me what the fuck I'm supposed to do! — Magnus strikes back. That obviously

upset Angelo, his jaw tightened and his body suddenly stiffened.

Oh, no. This whole thing is getting out of control fast, and the cornered look on Fred and Lev's faces is

only making my nerves worse. It's obvious that if this goes on, a confrontation is inevitable and that will

only happen over my fucking dead body. Taking advantage of my catlike ability, I slide around Magnus'

body until I'm back in front of him. He doesn't bat an eyelid, too busy piercing Derek and Angelo with

his fierce gaze.

—Magnus — I attempt once, but he still doesn't react —. Look at me — Again I get no result, his chest

goes up and down rapidly. I can see through his lips the tip of the fangs now extended —. Magnus,

look at me! — I yell and that is when he finally turns those beautiful eyes towards me, the fury waning

from his features —. Honey, please — I put my hands around his neck and come closer, releasing my

pheromones again —. Don't lose your temper. We came here to talk, remember? — places the hands

in my arms and squeeze, I can see in the eyes the struggle that is going on inside him.

—Xander, I... — his voice is low, frowning deeply.

—Easy, my love — I brush my nose with his —. Look at me, concentrate on me — I slightly kiss his lips

—. You're better than this, Magnus. Don't let anger get the better of you.

—I can't go on with this now — whispers very softly, just enough for me to hear it —. I'm about to

break.

—Alex — Fredek says quietly and with a trembling voice, bursting our bubble —. I know it's hard to

believe, but... I love them — Magnus raises the head suddenly, with eyes wide open, stunned to hear

those words. Although honestly, it takes Lev and me by surprise too —. And they love me — Angelo

nods and gives Derek a deathly look, and he ends up nodding reluctantly too —. So, please... Please,

understand, I don't want to, and can't live, without them.

His gaze is one of complete supplication, thick tears running down the cheeks. I rotate my face so that I

can observe Magnus' reaction, but he is totally expressionless. Though, from the bond, I can sense a

great amount of feelings struggling within him.

Anger, confusion, doubt, uncertainty. I can tell he has no idea what to do at this point. The silence

spreads across the room, heavy and uncomfortable. Magnus still holds me and I continue to wrap my

hands around his neck, unwilling to let go and let him collapse in front of everyone.

Until he finally speaks.

—I have to think about all this. I just... — swallows several times, looking up at the ceiling —. I can't —

He releases me and walks away, exiting the bedroom with incredible speed. I immediately regret the

loss of his warmth and I'm prepared to follow him, when Fred's voice interrupts me.

—Xander, please — the plea in his voice breaks my heart and I instantly embrace him, pressing him

with all my strength against me.

He reciprocates and sinks the face into my shoulder, crying and sobbing, squeezing the fabric of my

shirt.

—I promise I'll do my best, Fred — I whisper in his ear and he nods slightly —. Just give him time, he's

got a lot to process. Okay?

—I don't want him to hate me — mumble mournfully.

—He doesn't, and he won't — I assure, separating and wiping his tears with my thumbs —. He loves

you, Fred. He cares for you and doesn't want you to be hurt, that's all. Time is all he needs. I promise

you — I smile at him and he tries to smile back at me.

I give him a little hug before I tell Lev it's time to go. He nods but not before warning Fred again: "No

suppressors, young man". I go out to the corridor and see Magnus' vest still on the floor, so I hurry to

pick it up before heading for our room. When we arrived at Lev's, he hugs me and smiles. I'm about to

leave, when suddenly Yaakov comes out of the room and rests the hip on the threshold, wearing only

black trousers and wet hair, entirely unaware of the situation.

—I was just about to go find you, Lev.

—Like that? — Lev squeals, pointing at his appearance.

—What's the problem? — Yaakov asks in honest confusion —. It's not like I'm going to find another

partner all of a sudden — ironizes and Lev and I exchange a complicit stare.

—I just don't like what's mine to go around showing off. You know I'm very jealous, Yaak — Yaakov

laughs, leaving a kiss on his cheek.

—I won't do it again, sexy. Promise — he winks and Lev smiles from ear to ear —. Oh, Xander, thank

God you're here.

—Me? — I ask, aiming my own nose. He laughs and nods —. Why?

—Do you know where Magnus is? I've called him several times, but the idiot doesn't answer — Lev

and I are seeing each other again, but I don't want to be the bearer of the news, so I'll keep it to myself.

—I think he's in our room, although I have no idea why he's not answering. Maybe his phone died. Do

you need me to tell him anything? I'm on my way there now.

—Yes, indeed. Tell him we have a date for the mission — he smiles victoriously —. And that everything

is ready.

—Seriously? — I ask in amazement, but a big knot of nerves settles in my stomach —. When will it be?

—Two days.