Chapter 44 Shadows of the Past
Moscow, Russia. December 15th, 8: 35 a.m. 12 years ago.
-Fuck, it's so fucking cold.
Alexei grunted impatiently, waiting at the entrance of The Mansion, wearing a long, heavy coat, but that nothing seemed to protect him against the freezing weather on that day, typical of the month. Dense clouds of mist were blown out of his mouth every time he breathed, hands tucked into the pockets, but although he was wearing gloves, they shook as if they were naked.
-I swear to God, if he doesn't hurry up, I'll kick him out.
He tells the driver, who was lying on the long limousine, who gave him a simple sympathetic smile in reply. Only Alexei Magnus dared to confront Yurik in such a manner, the other henchmen not even giving the imposing man a glance for fear of signing a death sentence. He was waiting for his mentor to escort him to the airport.
He had to travel to Mexico for an important business meeting, Alexei was supposed to accompany him, after all, Yuri never wasted an opportunity to teach the boy the ins and outs of the profession. But a shipment of merchandise arrived earlier than expected and was to be delivered to one of the ports in a couple of hours, so the Alpha had to be there to receive it.
Alexei was upset. He had been waiting for over 15 minutes and Yurik still hadn't come out. The snow was getting thicker and already the cold was soaking his bones and icing the accumulated phlegm in his nostrils. Yeah, it sucks.
-Shit! - he exclaimed angrily, and began to walk in the direction of the Mansion, when the door of the entrance opened and he saw Yurik leaving, walking calmly towards him.
-Stop complaining and getting so angry, boy - Yurik says quietly as he finishes putting on a glove -. At this rate, you'll die of a heart attack soon.
-Screw you, old man - Alexei roared between the teeth, which were already chattering due to the low temperature, a scowl adorned his forehead -. I've been freezing my ass off out here for fifteen fucking minutes. I don't want to move my extremities for fear they'll break.
-Come on, don't be exaggerated - his mentor snaps his tongue, patting him on the shoulder -. We'd better go, Mr. Grumpy. I've got a plane to catch and you've got some merchandise to receive.
Many of the employees did not understand the reasons why Yurik always allowed and forgave Alexei's insolent, moody, and impertinent attitude. The cranky Alpha constantly responded to him when something displeased him unreservedly and fearlessly. If anyone else dared to do so, chances are that Yurik would have cut their tongue out or worse.
Only those closest to the mafia boss: his faithful driver, Mr. Chang, an old man with a hunched back from having spent much of his life under the bonds of forced labor in China, his native country, was 58 years old and the cook at The Mansion, Mrs. Ewa, a small but authoritarian woman who did not accept shit from anyone, knew the real reasons why Yurik always tolerated the petulance and arrogance of the boy.
Yurik Ivanov, from the moment he saw that malnourished and frightened boy, attempting to steal the few profits from a small shop, knew that he had found a rough diamond. Once welcoming him under his wing, along with his young brother, he initially saw them as weapons that he could train to be his most faithful followers.
But as time went by, he could not help but grow fond of Alexei, admiring his courageous spirit and his imposition on adversity, struggling more and more to prove his worth. The man saw in him, as in his brother, the children he could never have. His deceased wife could never conceive and his love for her was so deep and strong that, after she died of a rare cancer in her blood, he did not want to be with anyone else.
He suffered greatly from the loss for many years in solitude. He was finally getting out of his depression and then these two creatures came into his life, giving him a new meaning and a renewed desire to live.
-Are you sure you want to travel in this weather? - Alexei asks with concern -. The snow is very dense, old man. Maybe you should wait for the climate to improve.
-Nonsense - Yurik waves him off -. Richard is an excellent pilot - smiling in an attempt to calm him down -. Everything will be fine, my boy. Just make sure our merchandise is intact and let me know.
Alexei stares at him for a few seconds. He felt that something was wrong. It was like a chill that ran down his spine, ruffling the hair on the back of his neck. That always happened when he had a hunch that things might go wrong. And he usually wasn't mistaken. The Alpha could only pray that this would be one of those times when his peculiar sense failed.
-Fine - He sighs and nods resignedly, having no other argument with which to delay Yurik's journey -. Let's go.
-Wait! - Fredek yells at them to get their attention before the men can get in the car, runs at a fast pace towards them, and almost falls at one of the stairs.
-Jesus, Fred! - Alexei exclaims with the heart in his throat -. Be more fucking careful. You could have split your head open.
-I'm sorry - the Omega says once reaching them, lowering his repentant gaze -. I thought you wouldn't listen to me if I didn't hurry up.
-It's all right, your brother's just being as grumpy as usual -Yurik laughs when he gets a murderous look from Alexei. Then he ignores him and gently strokes the top of Fredek's head -. But promise you'll be more careful. Yes?
-I promise - showing a radiant smile -. I just wanted to give you this, Dad. I made it for you.
Yes, Fredek became so attached to Yurik that, as the years went by, he started calling him "Dad". Although it hadn't been easy or quick. When the little boy arrived, he was so traumatized by his previous life that it was hard for him to trust people again.
He would not leave Alexei's side and when his brother had to go out to comply with some order, he would cry and lock himself in any room, refusing to go out. It took a lot of patience and dedication on Yurik's part to win his appreciation, but once he got it, he didn't regret a thing.
Fredek was the opposite of Alexei: he was adorable, sweet, and gentle, he imagined it was due to being an Omega. Although Yurik had no doubt his brother had those kinds of feelings inside. He knew that Alexei was not made of stone, only that he made great efforts to close himself off from the world. He always tried to make him relate a little bit about his past life, but the Alpha refused every time.
Now Yurik was holding in his gloved hands a canvas with an oil painting of a guitar being held and played by a male figure, which he imagined to be him, since that was one of his favorite hobbies. It was beautiful, full of vibrant colors, with thick and defined strokes. The painting was spectacular, but it was what was written on the back that caught his attention. In soft, delicate calligraphy, Fredek had written:
"For the best musician.
The best mentor.
The best tutor.
But most of all, the best father."
The man felt his heart squeeze into the chest, his eyes stinging from the tears that threatened to appear, and his breathing became shaky.
-That's a little corny - Alexei scoffed, destroying the mood.
-Shut up, you insensitive idiot - Fred scolds him in irritation, crossing the arms on his chest -. You're just jealous because I didn't make one for you - sticking out the tongue.
-I don't need to give him cartoons to show my appreciation, keeping him whole and alive is more than enough - Alexei proudly said.
-That's enough, you two - Yurik intervened, after clearing his throat. He was touched by Fredek's gesture -. Thank you, little one. It's very beautiful - smiling warmly.
-You see? - Fredek boasts, lifting his chin in a gesture of superiority towards Alexei -. You should learn a little. It won't kill you to be gentle once in a while.
-Stop busting my balls, foxy. I'm not in the mood.
-First, you're disgusting - counting fingers and making a repulsive gesture -. And second, you're never in a good mood.
-Okay, okay. That's enough - Yurik hurried to stop them before the quarrel extended -. Let's go, Alexei. I don't want to be delayed any longer.
Fredek sticks out the tongue at his brother again before running back to The Mansion, the Alpha had to appeal to his self-control not to respond with one of his sour comments. The road to the airport was quiet and silent. Alexei had his phone in hand, making sure that all security protocols were in place for the arrival of his mentor.
Yurik was admiring the canvas Fredek had given him. A great desire not to make that journey invaded him. The meeting that would be held in Mexico would last until January, since many mobsters were going to be gathered and there were several delicate issues to be discussed. Nostalgia almost made him forget the plans, preferring to spend the festivities with his two children, because that's how he considered them: his children.
Despite not sharing blood and the fact that he was a simple human instead of a shapeshifter, he considered them as such and now he was completely sure that they thought of him as their father. They arrived at their destination faster than expected. They both got out of the car and Alexei gestured to one of the henchmen who was waiting for them to take out their luggage and board the private jet.
-Hey, old man - Calls, approaching him -. Do you remember my cousin Yaakov?
-Yaakov? - asks in confusion, until the memory comes to mind -. Ah, yes, the tall, tanned man. The one who was unfortunately involved in the business with Parker, right?
-Yes, that idiot - Alexei nods slowly -. He needs a job. He has had many problems after his sister's death - he pauses, recalling the deep depression that had almost consumed his cousin, immersing himself in alcohol and drugs.
Alexei stayed by his side the whole time, helping him to gradually overcome the pain and addiction. He felt a little guilty about everything that happened, since, after all, they got to him and his sister thanks to what Alexei does.
-I was thinking maybe you could use him here. I don't know, to stand guard at The Mansion or something.
-Do you trust him? - questions cautiously.
-With my life - answers without hesitation.
-All right, make an appointment for when I get back and I'll see what I can do.
-Okay - he pauses briefly before continuing -. Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?
-Sure, my boy - he scowls, puzzled, as he realizes the cautious attitude in the Alpha -. Is something wrong?
-I don't know - Alexei mutters, slowly shaking the head, nervously biting his lower lip -. I'm not so sure about this, I have a bad feeling.
-Wow, I didn't know you were into that stuff. You've seen a lot of Austin Powers? Although there they were referring to bad mojo from lack of virility.
-Screw you - he grunts angrily, his mentor laughing at his joke -. I'm serious, man!
-All right - finally managing to stop laughing, wiping the moisture from the corner of his eyes -. It'll be all right, boy. Stop worrying so much - placing a hand on Alexei's shoulder, squeezing it lightly.
-Worrying is my job, especially if it's for your safety.
-I know, but everything will be fine. We've done this a bunch of times. What can go wrong? - Alexei was going to answer, but then one of the henchmen arrives and announces that everything is ready -. Go get our stuff and make sure you have a good time with your brother. Take this with you... - giving him the little portrait Fred drew for him -. And leave it in my office, I'll hang it up later -. He put his arms around the big body of the Alpha, which took him by surprise. The displays of affection were not characteristic of Yurik Ivanov -. I love you both very much - separating from him a little, so that they can look at each other -. You are both my children, no matter what. Since you came into my life, you have made me very happy.
-Yurik... - Alexei whispers with emotion -. But what are you talking about?
-You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to let you know - dedicating a smile to him before walking away.
They both look at each other until the older one turns around to head towards the jet. Alexei felt a knot in his throat as the doors closed. Not knowing that this would be the last time he would see his mentor alive.
Mansion. 3:20 p.m.
Alexei stood in front of the fireplace, comfortable in the double leather armchair in the office, to warm up. He had already gone to get the merchandise and for his peace of mind, everything was in order. So it was moved without a delay and was now tidy and stacked in the warehouse.
He still had not heard from Yurik even though he had sent him a message that everything was ready. He told himself it was because of the storm that was raging outside, in an attempt to calm himself. At that moment, a cheerful Fredek burst into the office, interrupting the course of his turbulent thoughts.
-What are you doing? - he asks, dropping his light body beside him.
-Preparing an orchestra. Don't you see? - he says ironically, receiving a slap on the back of the head for an answer -. Fuck!
-That's what you get for trying to be clever - his brother scolds him, sticking out the tongue in a childish gesture -. Have you heard from Dad?
-Not yet.
-Did you text him?
-Yes.
-Do you think he's there yet?
-I don't know.
-Are you hungry?
-Goddamn it! Stop busting my balls, Fredek - Alexei gets up suddenly, totally irritated by his brother's questioning game.
-Well, starve yourself then, asshole - replies the Omega, annoyed, crossing the arms and watching the fire in the fireplace as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. He was going to answer, but then he heard someone knocking at the door.
-Come in - announce the Alpha.
-Young man - that was Mr. Chang, Yurik's driver -. I'm afraid I have bad news - Fredek stands up and watches him in fear, dreading the worst. Alexei swallows thickly before asking.
-What's the matter? - Chang takes a few seconds to respond, trying to deal with the shock he knows the news will cause -. Speak the fuck up! - roars Alexei, exasperated by his silence.
-The plane... -The man hesitates -. Mr. Yurik's plane...
-What? - Fredek whispers, a chill running through his body -. Did something happen to Dad?
-I'm afraid the plane has crashed, young man.
-What? - The Omega demands, frantically shaking the head -. No, it can't be. You're kidding, right? It's in very bad taste to joke like that, Mr. Chang.
-What happened? - Alexei claims, ignoring his brother's delirium.
-A missile, young man. Although we're not entirely sure yet.
-Did anyone survive? - his eyes fixed on the ground, his body felt weak and his ribs hurt from the effort he was making to breathe. Unable to speak, the man shook his head slightly.
-No! - Fredek cries out in despair, dropping to the knees, crying his eyes out -. This can't be happening! - covering his face with both hands.
Alexei is disconnected from reality. He hears nothing, feels nothing, sees nothing. His mind is clouded by an angry haze of helplessness, pain, and disbelief. Only a few hours ago he had the man who was practically his father safe and sound. And now... now he had nothing.
Blinking quickly, he manages to focus his brother's curled up body on the carpet in front of the fireplace, shaking with sobs. He approaches, with hesitant steps, his feet feeling as if they were trapped in cement blocks.
-Fred... - mumbles uncertainly -. Fredek?
When is close enough to him, he places a hand on his shoulder, but then his brother reacts, moving away from the touch as if he were on fire or suffering from the bubonic plague. He stumbled to get up several times until he was finally on his feet. And the glance he returned to Alexei, as if he were the most despicable being on the planet, would haunt him for the rest of his life.
-This... This is your fault - with wet cheeks from tears, backing up to the door with shaky knees -. You did this...
-Young man, that is not true - the old man intervenes sadly, fearing for the next outcome -. Calm down, please - he pleaded, trying to hold him down, but his hands were knocked away.
-Don't touch me! - Fredek screams, his eyes running wild with a delirious look, wrapping the arms around his body as if a cold gust of wind hit him. Alexei wanted to intercede, to protest and reassure Fredek, to tell him everything would be all right and to share the pain.
However, he stood there, static and stunned by his reaction, by the hurtful words that stabbed his heart. «Is it my fault?», he thought with horror amid the sea of feelings and emotions in which he felt drowned, imprisoned.
-I will never forgive you... - Fredek continues, ignorant of the resulting damage his unfounded accusations cause, grunting, looking at his brother as if he were the worst scum in the world -. Never.
He turned around and ran away. Alexei did not follow him, gazing into the fireplace as if he could get the answers to all the damn questions scratching at his subconscious, or perhaps it would serve to lessen a little the debilitating pain that warned him to surrender, to bend. He didn't know what to do, he had no idea where to go from there.
-Young man? - the former driver asks, quietly and cautiously.
-Leave me alone, Chang - Alexei is close to begging, his voice hoarse and rough.
-Are you sure?
-Yes, leave - takes a brief pause, trying to hold back tears a little longer -. Just make sure my brother doesn't do anything stupid.
The man nods and leaves the office, taking one last look before closing the door. Alexei collapses on the sofa once he feels he is alone, rests the elbows on the knees, and places the hands on his face.
And after so many years of strong attitude and soulless countenance... He cries.