Chapter 18 ... Attract Each Other
Saturday, March 3rd. Alexei's office, 3:00 p.m.
Since Alexei's last meeting with The Gang, there have not been many advances in Viktor Vasilyev's research. After almost two grueling weeks, Xander had not been able to get a proper angle from the cameras, only brief and not very clear views among the hundreds of videos he was able to collect, trying to keep the hope that in the next one he reviewed, he would get at least a piece of relevant information that would help them in the case.
Alexei fell like a bee on honey every day, although for a couple of minutes only, in the work area he assigned to the Omega, unable to establish the distance he wanted so much to pursue. The room was quite similar to the one he had in his apartment, small and compact, with all the equipment he managed to bring to The Mansion and with the only window covered by a thick black curtain to block out the light.
Xander spent most of his hours locked up in there, while being watched by the Alpha from the darkness of a distant corner. Both felt the magnetic force of attraction between them, the electricity that ran through their bodies when they were close and the gnawing need to touch and merge into each other's skin... But they refused to be dominated by their animal instincts.
Alexei because he didn't want to have to go through the same thing as two years ago, getting out of one bed to fall into another. Besides, there was still a bit of mistrust, thinking that at any moment the little Omega could take advantage and send all the fruitful progress of the organization to hell, something for which he had sacrificed so much.
And Xander because he forced himself to keep their relationship strictly professional, even though he was hot as hell every time he inhaled that powerful and intoxicating aroma. After the Alpha finally left him alone, he'd head for his office or go out to business meetings to establish new alliances, but on none of those occasions would he stop thinking about those deep, beautiful chestnut irises, captivating him completely.
Both had already fallen into the game, only that they were reluctant to accept it. And now, Alexei was sharing Yaakov's company in his office, both Alphas discussing what had happened in the month since they had not been able to see each other because of the Mafia boss's busy schedule.
-So... Were you able to meet with Angelo?
Angelo Dalaras is a Greek who he met through one of the meetings he had to attend last week. Thin, sun-blond curls bending over his ears that he tried to uselessly subdue with gel, eyes as blue as the sky. He was relatively new to the mob world, but reliable enough to start a working relationship.
Taking essential precautions, as always.
-Yes. He's a rookie, but nothing I can't handle - says Alexei, drinking from his glass of whiskey.
-Well, I just hope he's not one of those bastards who want to play it cool and ends up screwing everything up - Yaakov complains, taking a hit of the cigarette between his fingers.
-Only time will tell, I have my back covered - he pauses a little before continuing -. Any news about the Viktor-Fucking-Vasilyev case? - asks in annoyance -. It's been too long already. I want news, Yaakov.
-Nothing yet, but there are still videos that Xander hasn't reviewed. I'm sure he'll find something in one of them - his cousin reveals, expelling the smoke from his lungs by taking another puff of his cigar.
-Xander? - Alexei asks in awe -. Since when are you so confident in calling him by his name? - scowls, suspiciously -. When we found out about him, he was the fucking King Phantom you wanted to rip out his heart by inserting your fist down his throat.
Yaakov laughs at his reaction. Alexei had left Reiji in charge of Xander's constant surveillance. While his programmer watched him through the cameras, his cousin personally passed by the site several times a day to keep a closer eye on him.
-Well, you see... - begins once he stopped laughing -. We've spoken a couple of times and he's quite nice, I didn't think so because of how quiet he was when we captured him - pauses again for a few seconds, unsure of continuing -. But yes, it's easy to deal with him once you get to know him. And besides, Lev adores him, he keeps squeezing his cheeks every time - laughing at the memory of his partner's mischief.
Alexei is a little disturbed to hear Yaakov admit such a thing to him. Of all his recruits, his cousin is the one who most imposes the boss/employee limits. He could never have imagined that he would voluntarily approach Xander, especially after all the trouble he caused the organization.
-I thought you'd be mad at him - he says after a few minutes of consideration.
-I was. At first, I was - he concedes quietly, frowning. Alexei doesn't know if it's because he tried to find the right words or because he didn't anticipate his change of attitude -. But damn it, Magnus. The kiddo is charming - he admits with a small smile -. He has that kind of aura that attracts, that type of personality that you can't get angry with no matter how much you try. It's hard to explain, considering that it's been a few days since he came, you'd have to give yourself a chance to meet him. He reminds me a little of Katya - as his tone slowly faded.
Katya was Yaakov's sister, five years younger than him. She inevitably died the day Alexei rescued him and recruited him as one of his men. A shot went through her back, leaving her agonizing. By the time help had finally arrived, she was gone.
And since fate was a twisted shit that gave as well as took, that same day Yaakov met Lev. He never stopped feeling guilty, Alexei knew that. It was very hard for him to get over his death, even after he got revenge on those responsible.
-You still remember that we have to be careful with him, don't you? - Alexei questions, after a few sad minutes of agreed mutism, raising one of his eyebrows for emphasis.
-Of course, Magnus. I'm not that stupid - Yaakov snorts, putting out the cigarette in the ashtray on the desk -. I won't let you down twice in less than a month.
-Good.
-By the way, I've been informed that there's a certain Alpha who's been trying to get information on Xander's whereabouts - announces with concern, leaning over to place both elbows on the table.
Alexei's alarms go on. He can't help but let out a grunt, which Yaakov notices, but decides to ignore it.
-What? - demands irritated.
-Yes, the information came to me this morning. He's been asking questions here and there, trying to get his location - he pulls out the phone to pass the data to Alexei -. That message was passed on to me by Maxim.
His phone vibrates to alert him to the arrival of a new message, which he reads carefully. He didn't think anyone would be looking for Xander, although he never really bothered to find out if he had any relatives or acquaintances, but it seems there were.
-You want me to do something about it? - Yaakov asks him, impatient at his lack of response.
-No, leave it. There are more important things to worry about for now. But if he becomes a pain in the ass, deal with it -Yaakov nods at his command -. Convene The Gang for a meeting at 8 p.m.
His cousin nods again, getting up from his seat to head for the exit.
-And Yaakov - his cousin smiles, Alexei always called him when he was about to leave. He turns to give him his attention -. Bring Xander too.
Meeting room, 8:00 p.m.
They were all there already, not surprised at Alexei's slight delay, who entered a few seconds later, with a firm step and a straight posture, to sit at the end of the big desk. His throne.
-Well, bring me up to date - demands firmly and sharply. He knew Xander was looking at him without needing to see in his direction, he always did.
As if he could feel the tact on his skin without even touching each other, which caused his body to be filled with anxiety and desire, more and more powerful. Simmering, gradually increasing in intensity, less and less controllable.
-For my part, the new henchmen are learning their jobs fast. I didn't get any crying pussy this time, which is a refreshing change of scenery - Adrik is the first to break the silence of the room, as usual dragging his voice as if he were slightly drunk -. I'll have these guys on surveillance as soon as possible.
-I've checked the condition of the merchandise of the embarkation, Alex - Nikon intervenes, settling as best he can in his seat. The wound had already healed, but being in bed for so long had left him with constant back pain -. Luckily none of them broke down during the transportation or the attack, so let's just say that Franchesco kept his part of the deal- by shrugging his shoulders.
-I'm helping Yaak on the streets, finding out about the alleged Viktor Vasilyev. For the time being, as you know, it is all rumors - Lev adds, filing his nails carelessly -. And all the wounded are taken care of.
-Good. Fred? - Alexei asks, leaning back in his seat.
-I'm designing a rifle for Adrik - his neutral expression and his characteristic low tone -. As soon as I'm done, I'll modify the vests to increase their resistance, without affecting the weight.
Alexei nods slowly, as he directs his attention to Xander, turning the chair to face him.
-Xander? - his face has been drained of any expression, not wanting to give away all the emotional turbulence crashing like race cars inside of him.
After all those days of living together, he realized that Xander hardly ever let his arms be shown off, always wearing sweaters or long-sleeved shirts, as was the case today. The Omega wore a white shirt, covered by an unbuttoned vest a couple of sizes larger, with blue stripes, along with a black jean and military boots of the same color.
Each time the huge shirt slipped over his shoulders, he could slightly see the tattoos on his pale skin. Alexei swallowed thickly at the provocative sight, trying to conceal and control his obvious desire to touch and taste and fuck every part of his body.
-I'm still going through the videos, Magnus - he revealed, gently stroking the fur of the sleeping cat on his legs -. I've already gone through three hundred and forty-five of the eight hundred and sixty-nine I collected. I have only been able to catch a glimpse of a van in one of the locations, corresponding to the time and date of the emails I received, but no clear images revealing useful information.
Alexei didn't miss the absence of the "Sir" in Xander's statement, which surprised him a little. But he decided to let it go, he never liked being called that anyway, it made him feel old.
-Right. I need you to tell me immediately if the situation changes. Understood? - Both of them without looking away from each other. Xander nods slightly in his direction, while Alexei turns to face the rest of the crowd -. Well, if there's nothing else to say, rest for today and we'll continue tomorrow - with a wave of his hand he dismisses them all.
All, except for Yaakov, Alexei, and Xander. The Omega was standing in front of the door, facing the Alphas, intending to talk.
-What's going on, Xander? - Yaakov asks strange.
-Is there anything else you need from me today? - consults, Cooky rubbing cuddly on his calves. Yaakov scowls at Alexei, only to realize that he was examining him in the same way.
-No, kiddo. Why? - questions him without being able to understand.
-Perfect. I wanted to ask you to please not go to my bedroom - Xander's request seemed more like an order, with a neutral tone and without really revealing anything with the empty expression on his face.
The door to Xander's dorm was reformed so that it could only be locked from the outside but not from the inside, with the intention of keeping him unable to leave if strictly necessary.
-Because...? - Alexei interferes with a frown, watching Xander open the door, ready to go.
-I'm going to masturbate - and just like that, he slams the door behind him, leaving two Alphas in awe.