Chapter 29 Alpha vs. Alpha
Magnus is feeling light.
His chest goes up and down in a slow dance while his lungs are supplied with air. He is lying on a soft, silky surface, but he feels something pressing against his side... A weight, which he cannot determine what it is because he is blind in the haze of a relaxing sleep. That's strange. He's never felt this way before: so calm, peaceful, quiet.
It's harmonious, but the fear that this will come to an end begins to pierce his bones, like termites making their way through a piece of wood. What's going on? Why the sudden change? Where's all the weight on his shoulders, that he's been carrying for years? He doesn't know how to react, he's hollow but at the same time, fuller than ever.
A perfect contrast between sweet and bitter, between cold and hot. He wants to wake up, but he's also reluctant to open the eyes and face reality again. «Come on, Alexei», he thought in frustration, in a wave of restlessness clawing at his chest, a prisoner of insecurities and helplessness. «You've never been a coward and you won't start now».
Slowly his eyelids open, taking him a couple of seconds to remember where he was. The bedroom was opaque, completely immersed in darkness, only a thin thread of light slipping through the thick, obscure curtains of the room to indicate that the sun had risen.
He tried to get up, but the action was interrupted when he noticed the little body that was practically on top of him, curled up happily in search of his warmth. Immediately he recognized those shining, silky locks, black as the night. The smooth, hot skin and the familiar, sweet aroma that he loved so much, and that sleepy purr that announced the deep sleep in which the Omega was immersed.
Xander's head was resting on his chest, the right hand was wrapped around his waist, squeezing it unconsciously. With one leg on Alexei's thigh, while his chest moved slowly and calmly, he was trapped beneath that tumult of muscles and he couldn't care less, contemplating for a long moment the beautiful features of that face at rest.
Eyes closed and slightly swollen from crying the night before, small pointed nose, pompous and tender lips half-open, firm, and raised cheekbones. «Beautiful», concluded the Alpha amidst his flood of admiration.
With extreme care, as if he were in the middle of a dangerous operation to disarm an atomic bomb, he slipped out of bed, separating himself from the Omega, who, feeling the lack of his heat, buried the face in the pillow that had been previously occupied by him, chasing that smell of the forest that so appeased and pleased him.
He stared at him absorbed for a few seconds until he went to the bathroom for a quick shower. Or at least he intended to, but being under that spray of warm water, his body was reluctant to give up such a delicious and relaxing sensation. After a few long minutes and thorough cleaning, he finally came out, with a towel around the waist and another towel drying the moisture out of his hair. When he returned to the bedroom, Xander was already half awake and gave him a small smile.
-Good morning - he yawned, sitting down slowly to lean on the back of the bed, with the sheet covering him up to the waist.
-Good morning, kitty - Alexei answers in a good mood, still drying his chestnut strands -. Are you okay? - he can' t help but ask. Xander giggled, embarrassed, which Alexei finds charming.
-It hurts a little. But don't worry, it's nothing serious - A comfortable silence is established between them. Yesterday, when Xander mentioned the condom incident, Alexei didn't know how to respond.
He had already broken two of the conditions that the Omega had imposed and this time he was not sure what argument should use to convince him. Fortunately (and to his relief) Xander only gave him a strong warning: "Don't let it happen again, Magnus", and both fell soundly asleep afterward, in a mutual agreement to respect the rules of their agreement in the future.
-I must go - Alexei announced, picking up and putting on his clothes. By the time he had finished fitting the shoes, he sat down on the edge of the bed next to Xander. They watched one another for a few seconds, melting into each other's gaze, conveying feelings that in words they were not yet ready to reveal.
-What's going to happen to Derek? - Xander dares to ask. He knew perfectly well that this was a sensitive issue, but he had to be sure that his friend's well-being would not be compromised.
Alexei is irritated by his palpable concern, releasing a small grunt that Xander does not ignore, although he does not let himself be intimidated. The Alpha still resents his audacity, yet he struggles to understand the reasons for it. He feels that, above all, Xander should have made it clear to him from the beginning.
-I haven't decided yet - adds, sharp and definitive.
-I know this whole thing bothers you, Magnus. And believe me, I understand, but please don't hurt him. Maybe, I don't know... - snapping the tongue at the exasperation he was feeling, running a hand through his hair -. Perhaps he could work for you - Alexei opens the eyes wide with surprise.
-What the hell are you talking about? - He couldn't believe such impudence. First, he lies about their relationship with that intruding Alpha and now he suggests that he should offer him a fucking job. Alexei was starting to get upset again about this whole ridiculous situation.
-Wait - Xander's trying to calm him down by raising both hands to his chest -. Don't be mad. I'm not imposing, Magnus. I'm asking you - those eyes were staring at him, the expression was one of complete honesty and a little bit of begging -. Derek was Luka Nekrasov's bodyguard, I'm sure you know him - Yes, he does.
Luka Nekrasov was the owner of one of Moscow's most popular nightclubs, although it was all a cover for the business he ran. He was one of the mobsters who had been after Alexei for several months, who frankly also had him tired and bored with his endless insistence on an alliance, which the Alpha always refused.
He didn't trust him enough, plus there were rumors in the streets that he was a rat for the Feds. At his words, the Alpha simply nodded, indicating that Xander could continue.
-During all the time he has been protecting him, no attempt on his life has been successful - Xander assures him firmly, placing the hands back on his covered legs -. Derek is excellent at his job, Magnus. I'm sure he won't let you down.
-I've got enough protection, Xander - shrinking the eyes and frowning -. I don't need any more bodyguards - bluntly replies.
-I know, but you lost staff during the embarkation operation. Isn't that right? - Xander can't help but worry a little bit after saying that, he knows it's still a sensitive issue for Alexei -. Just think about it, okay? - before giving him a chance to respond -. Please?
-Fine.
Nodding his head in rigid assent, Alexei would have to analyze the whole situation concerning that Alpha before making a decision. For now, he was leaning more towards a negative, but he suspected it was because Derek's mere presence pissed him off, especially with the knowledge that he had shared a bed with Xander and jealousy was eating his guts.
He gets a grateful smile in response. The Omega's hands embrace his face and approaches to gently place the lips on his, in a gentle kiss that lasts only a few seconds. He moves away but keeps their foreheads together, sharing both his corporal and sentimental warmness.
-I have to go, kitty - Alexei says with his eyes closed, after a deep sigh -. Yaakov must be looking for me by now - resigned, he separates and stands up to head for the door.
-I'll be ready to go to work in ten minutes - Xander reports -. Will I see you tonight? - he asks with a hint of insecurity as his cheeks blush, embarrassed.
Alexei half turns to look at him and with a smile nods, then leaves the bedroom, trying to make as little noise as possible. He kept an eye on both sides of the corridor to discard the presence of any onlookers and, confirming that no one was around, quickly headed for his suite.
Wednesday, March 14th. Alexei's office. 11:21 a.m.
Already refreshed and with a change of clothes, Alexei was going through the organization's accounts. Twenty minutes ago he had gone to his office and was still surprised that his nosy cousin hadn't shown up. Until the office door opens abruptly, slamming into the wall. «Speaking of the devil», he ironically said in his mind.
-Goddamn it, Magnus - Yaakov complains, hands on the waist, looking at him with an annoyed expression -. Why the fuck do you have me to guard your grumpy ass if you disappear and don't even inform me of your whereabouts? - Alexei lets out a heavy sigh, looking away from his computer to fix it on his cousin.
-You're not my nanny, Yaakov. You don't have to know about me twenty-four hours a day.
-Of course I do, you idiot! - he shouts exasperatedly, pointing a finger at him -. It's my fucking job! Did you forget?
-Why don't you just sit down and stop fucking with my patience? - pinching the bridge of his nose with a grimace of regret.
His cousin does what he says, even though it was obvious he wanted to piss him off or leave a nice bruise on his chin. He drops down on one of the chairs and takes a pack of cigarettes out of the jacket, puts one in his mouth, and then lights it up. Takes a deep drag, before addressing Alexei.
-Will you tell me where the hell you were? - crossing one leg over the other -. I've been looking for you most of the morning.
-I don't like to repeat things, Yaakov - sharp, leaning on the back of the seat -. Just tell me what you want.
-It's the damn situation with Xander's "brother"- making the quote-unquote gesture with his fingers -. He's been screwing around all night and part of the morning, demanding to talk to you. He's got me up to my nerves, I'm about to kick his ass and make him shut the fuck up.
-I'll go down and talk to him. Which room is he in? - Getting up to head for the exit.
-On number two - his cousin warns him, following along -. Although I was tempted to leave him tied up on the cross in the torture wing - Alexei laughs mockingly. He always found it funny when Yaakov was exasperated like that.
-Come on. You can't handle a kitten? - laughing, going down the stairs to the basement area.
-We'll see if you're so amused once you talk to him - he advises, sniffing the cigarette between the fingers.
After several steps, they reached where Derek was isolated. Alexei adjusts his jacket a bit before entering the room, discovering the Alpha sitting on the only chair available, with one foot tapping the floor repeatedly to express his impatience. Seeing Alexei, he quickly stops and prepares to confront him, until a threatening gesture from Yaakov causes him to freeze halfway through.
-Don't even think about it, pussycat - he threatens, low and severe, by scrutinizing him with the eyes -. You've been fucking with me for quite some time and believe me, I'll be very pleased if you give me a reason to fill your ass with bullets - Derek snorts and gives him a cynical half-smile.
-Go fuck yourself - Derek attacks, pulling his middle finger out.
-You piece of... - Yaakov begins, wielding his weapon.
-That's enough! - Alexei roars, getting Yaakov to stop abruptly and Derek to turn his attention to him -. If you'll stop your childish squabbles, I'd like to get straight to the point - alternating his attention between his cousin and the other Alpha -. Did you ask to speak to me?
-When on earth are you letting us go? - Derek angrily demands, crossing the arms over his chest and looking at him with a scowl. His arrogant attitude makes Alexei's anger bubble up, simmering. He tries to control himself, to keep his composure as much as possible so that his judgment is not clouded, sending everything to the seventh hell and ending up giving Derek his well-deserved punishment.
-Us? - he proclaims, as he imitates Derek's posture, with a calm expression on his face.
-Yes. Me and Xander - Both stay silent for a few seconds, challenging each other. Derek was determined not to leave that damn place without Xander, even if he had to face a hundred men, which put him at a significant disadvantage... But he decided he'd take the risk.
For his part, Alexei was not at all happy with the ill-concealed sense of possession that this Alpha referred to every time he named the Omega. Derek was mistaken if he thought the little one belonged to him, and he was more than happy to put him in his place.
-Xander's not going anywhere. He works for me now.
-Does he? - Derek strikes back, faking amazement -. And since when does working for someone mean being held captive in a place where you can't have contact with the outside world? - His eyes are like slits, mumbling through his teeth -. Do you even pay him?
-The conditions of his work are none of your business. And the fact that he's here... Oh, wait! - Alexei exclaims, raising a finger in the air as if he'd just come up with an idea -. It's none of your business either. So forget about him. If you want to leave, I'll arrange for my men to take care of you, but Xander stays here.
Derek takes a few threatening steps towards him, shortening the distance between the two, while Alexei remains undisturbed in his place. Yaakov places a hand on the gun handle on the belt again, preparing to subdue him if necessary.
-What the fuck is your deal with him? - interrogates him in a whisper when they're just a few inches apart.
-That's not your damn problem - the anger was seeping through Alexei's skin, staring into his opponent's eyes -. But I'm telling you, whatever you try with him, it won't work - his jaw was so tight that the muscles were throbbing and his teeth hurt from the pressure -. He's mine, you'll never touch him again - he promised, his wolf's growl echoing through the walls.
Yaakov is amazed by the words and his expression betrays him. He opened his eyes so wide that the eyebrows almost reached the tips of his hair, and rightly so, for he had never seen Alexei being possessive of anyone except Fredek. He never had any reason to in the first place.
All those with whom he had adventures, stayed at just that, without going any further. His cousin liked freedom, he had often confessed it, so he could not help but feel confused when he heard that. Since when were he and Xander on these terms?
-We'll see - Derek smiles, fearlessly challenging the most powerful Alpha.
Alexei takes a deep breath to try and calm himself. In another situation, anyone else having the courage to threaten him so blatantly, he wouldn't have had any hesitation in planning a retaliation so cruel that it would ensure that his victim would never forget. But Xander had asked him not to hurt Derek and that, alone, was what was keeping the other Alpha alive.
-For now, you will stay here, while I decide what to do with you - the smile on Derek's face died abruptly, which caused Alexei to rejoice.
-For how long? - He received a disinterested shrug in response -. Damn it, you can't keep me locked up here for as long as you fucking like.
-Why not? - Alexei snorts delightfully -. You're on my property after all. Here you do as I say, when and how I want. So I advise you to get used to it -Having said that, he turns around and prepares to leave the room.
-What will Xander think about this? - Derek says aloud, stopping him just as he had a hand on the doorknob - Alexei turns and gives him a menacing glance without letting go of his grip.
-You're walking on quicksand, tiger - he spits with despise -. Be glad that thanks to him you're still breathing, otherwise, my men would have long ago disposed of your corpse - And without waiting for an unwanted answer, he leaves. Yaakov hurries to follow in his footsteps.
-Magnus - his cousin calls him hesitant, not sure how he'll react to the question he's about to ask -. What are you up to with Xander? - Yaakov suddenly stops in the middle of the stairs. Still, with his back to him, Alexei turns the face and looks at him sideways over the shoulder.
-I advise you to mind your own business, Yaakov - roars, sharp and straightforward -. Xander's my problem, so stay out of it - He returns to his path, but this time he is not pursued. Yaakov has been petrified in the spot, not knowing what the hell to do with that.
Of all the possible answers he could have imagined, that was the one he did not expect. Alexei rarely hid anything from him, they have always been close despite being his employees. The fact that he is reluctant to talk about the little Omega only makes a reckless curiosity arise inside him.
«I'll have to talk to Xander».