Chapter 48 He is only Mine
Tuesday, March 26th. Alexei's bedroom, 7:15 a.m.
The Mansion was still quiet before the daily activities began. The changing of the henchmen's guard had not yet taken place, the corridors remained silent, and the morning light gradually became more intense with each passing minute.
It was the first time, after a long time, that Xander didn't wake up at 6, as he always did. Too peaceful in the sleeping pool where he was immersed, his eyelids refused to open. The position in which both bodies were intertwined under the sheets, for anyone who saw them, would say that it was not the most comfortable, but they could not disagree more.
Alexei had one arm under Xander's head, cradling him close to his chest, while the other rested on his hip, just above the curvature of the butt. One of Xander's legs was held by the Alpha's strong thighs, the other resting on his waist.
His arm was wrapped around the large body until it rested on his back, unconsciously exerting pressure to bring them closer together, the other arm was caught between the two, just at the level of Alexei's heart, feeling the sweet, constant dance under his palm. And yes... They were completely naked.
Their breaths mixed as soon it left their lungs and the proximity flooded both with peace and serenity. Consciousness took over Xander's little body and released a sigh in protest, finally, his eyes opened, blinking a couple of times to adapt his vision to the environment. The first thing he manages to capture is the wide, hairless chest in front of his face. It went up and down quietly as it filled and emptied of air. A slow smile spread across his lips as he tilted his head back to look at the face of the Alpha.
«My Alpha», rejoiced in his thoughts, with the reality that beautiful statement represented. He stared, mesmerized, at Alexei's firm, masculine features for a long moment, until, unable to resist any longer, he gently brought the hand that was on his strong back to his face and began to outline his profile.
His little fingers slid across the smooth forehead, making their way between his dark eyebrows to the slightly wide and curved nose. As he reached the thin lips, he took his time there, delineating the upper one first, from the left corner, through the gently pronounced Cupid's bow, to the right corner.
With the thumb he tasted the soft sensation of the lower lip, performing the same procedure. He went down further, past his chin, to rest his hand on the Adam's apple, which seconds later he noticed moving.
-I wish you wouldn't wake up so early - Alexei protested, his voice rasping and thick with sleep, pressing Xander's body even tighter against his -. Don't go yet - a heat spreads quickly across the Omega's chest and clears his throat before speaking.
-I'm sorry, I told you it's like a habit - gently stroking Alexei's cheek -. My brain activates automatically at six. Shouldn't you be up early too? After all, you have a business to run.
-I hate getting up early - he sighs, moving away a bit and opening one eye to see Xander with a smile -. I leave the morning jobs to Yaakov.
-I see why you're always grumpy when you wake up to me slipping away - Xander laughs softly.
-That and I don't like waking up without you in my arms - he confesses, lowering the face to Xander's neck, inhaling deeply his scent -. Stay a little longer - whispers in his ear -. Here. With me - Xander shudders as he feels that deep voice coursing through his body, hands clinging to the strong, muscular Alpha.
-Oh, honey - sighing, feeling Alexei leave wet kisses on his neck, just above where he knows the Lilies' tattoo is under the ear -. It's impossible for me to say no - Alexei separates his face from the provocative skin and joins the two in a hungry, unbridled kiss.
A deep growl originates in his throat once his tongue begins to taste Xander's, savoring the sweet flavor. By the time the sensual kiss comes to an end, both have their breaths heavy and the heart racing. Xander places both hands on either side of the Alpha's face and looks at him warmly, a serene smile on his swollen, glossy lips. Alexei wraps his strong arms around his body and looks back at him with love.
-You're beautiful, Xander - puts another little kiss on his lips -. You drive me completely crazy.
-You're not bad yourself, Mr. Magnus - adds flirty, batting the long eyelashes -. I'm sure you get a lot of suitors, don't you?
-None like you - the seriousness in his voice and the depth of his gaze stole the Omega's breath -. No one has ever had my heart before. Only you, kitty - Xander feels his eyes clouding with tears, so he blinks quickly to scare them away.
-I'll take care of it, Magnus - he whispers once he manages to find his voice -. I promise I'll take care of it. Will you take care of mine? - the hope reflected in his sweet irises.
-I promise - kisses him softly and slowly again -. Now, what do you say we get up, take a long shower and eat a delicious breakfast?
-Together? - Xander smiles, pleased.
-I wouldn't have it any other way, kitty - an hour and a half later, both of them already properly groomed and their stomachs placidly full, are finishing getting ready to leave -. I need you to do something for me today - Alexei says, adjusting the last button on his shirt.
-What's it about?
-I need you to teach my programmer some tricks.
-You mean the one whose "security system"... - making the quotes with the fingers -. I managed to get through more than twice? - without bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice -. I must admit, I thought you'd ask me a lot sooner.
-I thought about it from the beginning. But I remind you that our relationship didn't start on the right foot. We were suspicious of each other and I couldn't risk you trying something else. I didn't want you poking around in my system.
-I can do it from where I'm working right now, honey - laughing at the obviousness of it -. In fact, I still do. And it was easier than the last one - Alexei rested both hands on his waist and sighed with resignation.
-Have you continued to infiltrate my security system?
-As often as I can - shrugging carelessly -. I've made a couple of improvements.
-And how come Reiji hasn't informed me of any of this? - The Alpha asks in amazement -. He noticed it the first time you did.
-The first time I did it, I had to do it fast, I didn't have time to clean up the mess. Even though I couldn't be traced, it was obvious that someone had stuck their nose in there. But... - he plays with his fingers nervously -. The last few times I've tried not to leave any traces. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I wanted to make sure that the organization's information was secure.
-All right - Alexei finally agrees after a brief pause -. But let me know, Xander. I don't like you keeping things from me - Xander heads in his direction at a slow pace and once he gets in front of him, he starts helping his Alpha adjust the tie.
-I won't do it again. And I have no problem instructing this Reiji, I'll make sure to teach him everything he needs to know.
-I hope so - Caresses Xander's cheek with the knuckles -. Or I'll whip that perfect round ass of yours - Xander's cheeks turned red with blush, though the idea of being whipped doesn't entirely displease him.
Control Room, 9:25 a.m.
XANDER.
Before going to where the so-called Reiji works, we spent time searching for Cooky in my room. After feeding him, I held him in my arms, and Alexei instructed me to follow him. He led me through a path in The Mansion that I had never had the chance to know, until now.
The corridors were the same as the ones I walk through every morning to the small office where I work, although they were in the opposite direction. When we finally stopped, we both stood in front of a wooden door.
-Ready, kitty?
-You're talking to him... - I point at Cooky, smiling at my little joke -. Or to me? - He doesn't answer me, he just snorts funny and opens the door, letting me in first.
The Control Room is not very different from mine, but it is much bigger and has more working implements. Poorly used, if you ask me. The man sitting in front of the only desk turns his chair and I can get the first glimpse of what he looks like.
He's thin, white, with fine, delicate features, brown hair, and smiles widely when he sees Alexei enter the room, although the expression disappears completely when his evaluating eyes rest on me.
I'm not an expert in social interactions, but I don't have to be to quickly realize that I'm not welcome.
-Reiji, this is Xander - Magnus introduces me and gestures his hand in my direction to bring me closer. Once I do, he places it on my shoulder and squeezes me lightly -. He'll be with you for a couple of days, teaching you some tricks.
-Hello - I try to sound as friendly as possible, only to be abruptly ignored.
-Are you sure about this, Mr. Magnus? - The boy protests, I feel my Alpha's body tightening up next to me, but he makes an effort not to show it.
-I'm sure. There are parts of your job that have flaws and Xander can help you work on them - by crossing his arms over the chest, waiting to be challenged. In my humble opinion, if this guy ever did anything like that, it's because he must be crazy or doesn't appreciate his heart still beating behind his ribs.
-Mr. Magnus, I'm perfectly capable of fixing those "flaws"- he makes the quotes and I laugh to myself to think that recently I did the same thing -. I don't need anyone... - the look he gives me this time is not at all friendly. I would describe it more as hostile -. To teach me how to do my job.
-That's where you're wrong - Magnus shuts him up with a sharp look -. Xander has informed me that he has been able to infiltrate my system repeatedly, without major inconvenience, since he arrived. I don't have to tell you how dangerous it could be if it was one of my enemies instead.
-But, sir...
-That's enough, Reiji! - I can't help but be startled by the sudden change in his tone of voice and unconsciously tighten my grip on Cooky -. You will do as I say and I don't want to hear another word about it. Is that clear? - The boy looks down in sorrow and I notice how his hands are strongly clenched in fists on his legs.
-All right, sir.
-Good - Magnus looks at me and whispers: -. I must go now, you know how to contact me.
-Okay, Magnus - he smiles slightly at me and exits the room, leaving the boy and me in an awkward silence. Slowly, I deposit my cat on the floor and he begins to rub against my legs.
-I hope that won't cause any trouble - I don't overlook the derogatory tone when he says "that" to refer to Cooky, it bothers me but I make an attempt to control myself. I guess it wouldn't look good if I tried to hang the guy on my first day as a tutor.
-No, it's okay. That... - I'm using the same tone as him -. Won't cause any problems.
-Good - he turns in the chair and pays attention to the monitor in front of him, completely ignoring my presence. Fuck, I'm losing my patience already and we've barely crossed words.
-Hey, I don't mean to cause you any harm - and that's true, I mean, I don't even know him. What the hell? Everything I do is in an attempt to help Magnus, I don't understand this guy's sudden rude attitude towards me -. I'm just here to help.
-Yes, well. I don't need your help - without bothering to look at me -. And I know exactly the kind of help you've been offering Mr. Magnus these days - the breath gets stuck in my throat, praying that whatever he meant, it's not what I'm imagining.
-What do you mean? - the hesitation comes out before I can avoid it.
-You know perfectly well what I mean - and that's where he turns again to face me -. There are cameras, remember? All over The Mansion, especially in your bedroom - damn it. How could I have been so careless not to make those recordings disappear? Magnus will be really angry when he finds out.
-Listen... - but before I can continue, he interrupts me.
-I don't know how you lured him - he snorts without humor -. I mean, the cameras don't have audio after all. I have no way of knowing what you said to convince him - he stands up and takes a few steps towards me, watching me like a fucking insect caught in a web -. But let me tell you, the charm won't last - he smiles maliciously -. He'll soon get tired of you, he always does. It won't be long before you're stopped being his little toy. And when that happens...
-When that happens, what? - I mumble to him, frowning, and with all the venom I can articulate. The guy beats me in height by a few inches, but if he thinks I'll be intimidated, he's very wrong -. Let me guess: You'll be there for him? - the smile on his face dies abruptly. Mine widens -. Don't make me laugh. He's mine and I can assure you that it's not as temporary as you'd like to believe - I point at him right in the middle of the chest -. So, I advise you to know your damn position and just try to do the job properly. Because the way you've been handling it so far, you'll get not only Magnus, but the entire organization into a lot of shit that you won't be able to fix.
Without giving him a chance to respond, I carry Cooky and leave at a fast pace, anger flowing quickly through my veins. Fuck the training and fuck Reiji, that motherfucker. I'll deal with Magnus later. By the time I get to my workplace, I'm sweating and breathing heavily. I curse everything around me until my brain lights up.
I leave my cat on the floor, grab the chair and take it to the corner of the room where I know the camera is placed. I climb on the furniture, wobbling a bit, and just before disconnecting it, I pull my middle finger out to the lens, sure that Reiji will see it, and then I firmly push the wires until the red light doesn't blink anymore.
I'm furious, but I refuse to call Magnus now. I don't know what he's up to, but I don't want to bother him. I walk around the room like a caged lion, or in my case, like a little Margay, trying to calm down. After several laps like this, the door opens and a smiling Fredek enters through the door. The moment he notices my agitated state, his smile fades and is replaced by a scowl and a worried look.
-Hey, Xander. What's going on? - Closing the door behind him -. I came by earlier to bring you breakfast and you weren't here. Is everything all right?
-No, nothing's all right! - I scream in anger, moving incessantly -. That idiot thinks he can take him away from me, that I'm just a toy. That piece of shit, I'll prove him wrong. I'll prove him wrong, Fredek!
-What? What are you... Stand still, dammit - he grabs me by the shoulders and sits me reluctantly in the chair -. Now, explain to me what happened.
-Reiji!
-What's wrong with him? - he asks puzzled, taking a seat in front of me.
-He knows, Fred. He knows!
-He knows what? What the hell are you talking about, Xander? - Beginning to despair at not understanding -. Calm down, breathe -- making simulated breaths as if he were helping a pregnant Omega, which inevitably makes me laugh -. That's it. Now, explain to me what's going on in a way I can understand.
-Reiji - I repeat quietly after listening and breathing several times -. He knows about my relationship with Magnus.
-What? - Exactly the reaction I was expecting -. And please, when you're with me, call him Alexei. I'm Magnus too, remember? It feels weird - wrinkling the nose and again, that childish fool makes me laugh, but I continue once I calm down.
-The cameras. I'm still under constant surveillance, I guess Alexei never changed the order and that idiot knew everything from the beginning.
-Okay, I understand that. But why did you say he'll take him away from you? Or that you're not a toy?
-Because that's what he told me.
-I don't understand - he asks with a scowl and I can't help rolling my eyes.
-He's in love with him, Fred! - His eyes open wide when reality hits him -. That's why he told me all that and that Alexei will get rid of me as soon as I'm no longer useful to him.
-But that's not true, Xander. My brother's in love with you.
-I know that, but I still resent the way he said it. He humiliated me, made me feel ashamed.
-You should talk to Alex - his low, hesitant voice -. He needs to know, you mustn't let it go, Xander.
-Yeah, I know - I sigh and as if invoked, the protagonist of my wet dreams enters the room, interrupting my conversation with his brother.
-Am I interrupting something? - he adds with apparent disinterest, his hands inside the trouser pockets, and looking at us with amusement. My body reacts to his presence immediately. My breath stirs, I feel a chill run down my back and my eyes go, before I can (or want to) avoid it, to the bulge in his pants.
However, something feels... Strange. I feel weird, warm. I feel very, very hot.
-A little, but it doesn't matter because I was just leaving - Fredek answers him, standing up and heading for the door -. See you, Xander - gesturing with a hand and closing the door on his way out. I place one hand on my chest and feel my heart beating rapidly under my palm.
-Hey, kitty - Alexei comes quickly and holds me by the shoulders. He must have noticed my agitation -. Are you okay? - I shake my head back and forth, denying. My body begins to release pheromones uncontrollably and tremors take hold of my extremities. My tail grows long at the end of my spine and I feel the itch in my eyes announcing the change of color.
-It's... It's starting, Magnus - I'm holding my hands up to his chest and squeezing the fabric of his shirt. When our gazes connect, his eyes are an intense blue, the pupils dilated. A deep, guttural growl originates in his throat and that causes my excitement to shoot up like a fucking rocket.
My dick is hard and throbbing inside my pants, my ass is wet from the lubricant I'm starting to produce. Need... Pure, primal, carnal need. I need it... I need him.
-I thought it was starting tomorrow - his sexy, deep voice dominates me, numbs my senses, pushes all the right buttons. I lean over to place my face on his neck and inhale. His aroma, masculine and powerful, invades my lungs and my Omega twists desperately inside me. I begin to purr.
-I need you, Magnus. Please...