Chapter 50 Heat - Day 1 (Night)
ALEXEI.
I don't know at what point I fell asleep. The last thing I remember was leaving Xander's body once the knot had retracted and he was huddled next to me, totally exhausted. I finally succeeded in claiming him and I can't find the words to describe what I'm feeling at this moment. I never thought I could feel so happy and complete as I do now. Although, I'm scared... Very scared.
It is no news that my work represents a constant danger not only for me, but also for everyone around me. And the thought of someone attacking him with the goal of hurting me causes me to panic. I will have to implement new security measures, perhaps double the number of men protecting The Mansion.
Whatever it takes, no matter what the cost or difficulty. Xander will stay by my side. He's mine now to love, care for, and protect. The night is quiet, only the sounds of nature filtering through the window. I'm lying on my back with one arm below my head, Xander is on his side, with his back to me.
Maybe I should wake him up and get him to eat something, after all, none of us have eaten since this morning and my stomach is already asking for food. I sit down and the sheet slides across my chest until it covers only my bottom.
Despite Xander being asleep, I can still feel his body generating small amounts of pheromones. I must admit that all this Omega heat is new to me, of course during mine I always had someone warming my bed, but I never helped anyone during this important stage, I never cared.
All I know is what Yaakov told me (against my will) about when he helps Lev. And that... I'd rather forget. I get out of bed and go to the bathroom to clean myself up a bit. When I'm done, I go outside, put on a pair of sweatpants, and sit on the edge of the bed, on Xander's side. I can tell immediately that something is wrong.
His hair sticks to his forehead because of the sweat that is covering his body, breathing fast, frowning even with the eyes closed. I place my hand on his forehead and yes, he does have a fever. And very high, too. I quickly reach for the phone in my pants on the floor and dial Lev's number.
After three rings, he picks up.
-Shit - complains, yawning heavily across the line -. Do you have any idea what time it is? - Not really, and I don't have a watch to find out. Does it fucking matter anyway?
-I need you to come to my bedroom right now, Lev. And bring Yaakov with you - the words come quickly from my mouth as I lean over and place a brief kiss on Xander's wet forehead. He doesn't even move, and that worries me.
-What? Why? - I can hear the concern in his voice -. What's wrong, Alex?
-Now, Lev! - I hang up. I'm looking in my closet for a boxer. When I get it, I sit down next to him again and take off the sheets to gently push him on his back, then I pass the piece of clothing over his feet, up his legs, and lift his hips until I successfully put it on.
I refuse to let anyone else see his body naked, so I look for a T-shirt and I put it on him too. I run one hand through his hair and with the other I hold his hand, pressing it against my chest.
-Xander - I call him quietly, relieved to see his eyelids fluttering -. That's it, kitty. Can you open your eyes for me? - He slowly begins to wake up, blinking several times to get used to his surroundings, until his gaze connects to mine. I smile at him and kiss him, briefly but comfortingly -. How are you feeling, kitty? - caressing his cheek delicately.
-As if I had been run over by a truck - he smiles a little but then he gets serious and scowls -. What's wrong with me?
-If I have to guess, I think it's the effects of the claim.
-And why are you okay then? - questions confused -. Shouldn't it affect you too?
-Yes, but my ability to regenerate is faster. My body has already assimilated the change.
-That's not fair - making a slight pout that makes me laugh -. Don't laugh, I mean it - tapping me gently on the shoulder, or it felt soft because of how weak he is now.
-Take it easy, kitty. Lev should be here at any... - knocks that threaten to break my door down interrupt me.
-Alexei Magnus, open the fucking door right now! - Shit, if I didn't love him so much and risk being reminded by Yaakov until the end of my days, I'd kick his unbearable ass. Although, I'm relieved he's here, so I'm hurrying to let him in.
-What the fuck?! - I can't believe what my eyes are seeing.
Yes, Lev is here, along with Yaakov as I ordered... But he also brought Nikon, Fredek, and even Adrik, and I still don't have my situation sorted out with him. They all come into my room, in their pajamas and armed to the teeth, like the strangest shapeshifter stampede I've ever seen, checking out the surroundings, looking for God knows what.
-Lev, I told you to only bring Yaakov. What the hell are the other members of The Gang doing in my room?!
-Well, I was worried! What did you expect? - Waving his hands in the air, shouting at me in exasperation -. You'd never call me at two in the morning unless it was an emergency!
-And it is, but I told you to bring only Yaakov! - pointing at him with my index finger -. Don't you know how to listen?
-But how ungrateful you are! - he was going to continue, but Fredek's voice stopped us both in the middle of our discussion.
-That's enough, dammit! - and I realize at that moment that he's sitting on the edge of the bed, next to Xander, holding his hand -. Alexei, what's wrong with Xander?
-That's exactly why I called you, Lev - I'm saying this time more calmly, concern settling in my chest again -. I need you to help him.
-Did you do it? - Yaakov asks, standing beside me, looking at me in amazement. I nod slowly as I turn to look at my partner, who looks embarrassed despite the discomfort.
-What? - Nikon demands -. Do what?
-Exactly, what did you do? - Lev intervenes, exasperated -. And why is my baby in your room? - Approaching Xander and placing a hand on his forehead, pushing Fredek out of the way.
-Alexei? - my brother asks cautiously when he sees that I don't answer. Everyone's eyes are now on me, waiting for some explanation. I know I told Xander it would be best to wait and stay secret a while longer, but that was before.
It's different now. Now he's my partner and everyone at The Mansion needs to know about it so they can treat him with the respect he deserves. And yes, it will also help me keep Derek Von Kleist in line.
-I claimed him - I finally confess.
-You what?! - Lev squeals, standing up quickly with hands on his waist -. But how?! - He hesitates -. Since when?
-How I did it is none of your fucking business, Lev. And yes, I do inform you all that Xander is now my partner, my mate.
-Magnus... - Xander whispers nervously.
-No, Xander. It's time, they need to know - I raise a hand in his direction, instructing him to be silent -. Since everyone knows, it's your job to ensure his protection and well-being. You will respect him as if he were me and keep him out of harm's way. Is that clear? - The silence settles in the room for a few seconds, while I watch everyone's eyes slowly, waiting for their response.
-Will you give us a raise? - Nikon asks hopefully.
-What? - I stumble, completely stunned. Of all their possible reactions, I never imagined this -. Why the hell should I give you a raise?
-Nikon is right - Adrik supports him -. It's another job to add to the pile. How about a reward? - Crossing the arms on his chest, looking at me mockingly. Well, at least I'm relieved he spoke to me. That's a start.
-I'm not giving anyone a raise.
-Oh, come on, Magnus - Yaakov's complaining -. We deserve a gift for risking our asses for you - the traitorous son of a bitch -. What do you say?
-I say you're all full of shit - I sigh resignedly and squeeze the bridge of my nose -. Okay. Just tell me what you want.
-Bitch, what an offer! - Nikon applauds excitedly -. I'll have to make a whole list, but don't worry... - approaching to put a hand on my shoulder -. I'll pass it to your phone every hour, so you won't forget it.
-Well, since you don't need me... - Adrik mumbles and leaves too.
-Goddamn it - I grunt in annoyance -. Lev, can you check on Xander? I called you for that from the beginning, and you bring me this circus.
-Well, the first thing to do is to bring down the fever - points to my bathroom door - Fred, go and fill the bathtub with warm water. Not too cold, not too hot either - my brother rushes in and after a few seconds, I hear the water running -. What happened, baby? - he asks, sitting next to Xander again.
-I entered my heat this morning - my Omega whispers, biting his lower lip.
-Oh, that explains everything - sighing with relief -. And what do you feel?
-My neck is bothering me a little bit - massaging the nape with a grin of pain -. I feel weak, exhausted and my Omega side is very restless... If you know what I mean - he concludes with a muffled voice, a blush spreading across his neck and cheeks.
-Oh - a mischievous smile spreading across Lev's lips -. Yes, I know. That's normal, you're in heat after all. Anything else?
-My skin is very sensitive and my palms are tingling. Nothing more than that.
-That's good. As long as there's no pain, everything will be fine. The fever is quite annoying, but we'll take care of it - he stands up and extends his hands to him -. Let's go to the bathtub.
-No - I cut him off and quickly approach the bed -. I'll take care of it - I put one arm under Xander's legs and hold his back to carry him.
-Besides the bathing, is there anything else I should do? - Xander wraps his hands around my neck and rubs his cheek on my chest, purring softly. «Bad thoughts, Alexei. Wait until everyone's gone».
-Hmm - Lev does the whole act of putting a finger on his chin like he's thinking -. Aside from having a lot of sex, then no - he smiles like he's won a prize.
-All right. Thank you, you can go now.
-Grumpy ass - he accuses me, then leaves the room grumbling, being followed by Yaakov. When I enter the bathroom, Fredek is sitting on the edge of the tub, making absent silhouettes in the water.
-It's ready now - announces, turning off the tap.
-Thank you, Fred - Xander offers, hiding his face in my neck.
-It's not a problem at all, Xander. I'm gonna go now - he walks past me in the direction of the door.
-Fred - I call before he leaves -. Send someone with food. Xander hasn't eaten since this morning and needs to be fed.
-Okay. Anything else? - with the neutral tone he always uses with me.
-No, that's it. Close the door on your way out - nods slightly and walks away. Seconds later, I hear the door of my bedroom indicating that it is now just the two of us.
-Can you stand on your feet, kitty? - I ask the question right in his ear.
-I think so. But lower me slowly, just in case - I gently bend down until his feet are on the tiled floor, I wrap my arm around his waist in case he needs support to keep up.
I hold the edges of the shirt and pull it over his head to remove it. I place one of my knees on the floor and remove his boxer, leaving his beautiful body naked once more. His cock is half hard despite his discomfort and the smell of his excitement begins to affect me. That is, until he speaks again.
-I don't want to go in alone - he whispers with a sobbing, pleading expression that lights up his eyes.
-You won't, I'll go in with you - I quickly get rid of my pants, pick up Xander in my arms again and start getting in the tub. Even though it's not that cold, I get goosebumps right away. With a firm grip on my jaw, I start bending over to get Xander in the water.
-Magnus! - he shouts when I start to immerse his body, he tries to climb over mine, attempting to run away, I have to hold him hard to prevent him from doing so -. It's freezing! - in a hiss, still struggling to get out.
-It's not, it's just that your body is so hot that you perceive it that way - I comfort him, struggling against his rigidity -. But it's necessary, kitty. Your fever must be brought down or your condition will get worse - finally, there's both of us with water up to our shoulders, me sitting in the tub, and Xander between my legs, shaking slightly and clinging to me like a lifeline.
-How long do we have to stay here? - His lips rubbing against the skin of my neck as he speaks, that causes me more chills than the water cooling off.
-Just a little longer. I want to make sure your temperature gets back to normal a bit - I kiss his cheek sweetly -. You had me very worried, kitty.
-Really? - He leans his face so he can watch me.
-Of course. I love you, remember? - His eyes crystallize, one of his hands goes up to my cheek and caresses my lips with the thumb.
-I love you too, Magnus - frowns -. This is all so strange to me.
-What do you mean?
-To have someone looking after me. To feel the love, the security, the protection that I feel with you - smiles slightly before continuing -. I like it... It feels good - I still don't understand how someone could have hurt this beautiful being.
Xander is perfect inside and out, he complements me, makes me feel full of life. Even though I crashed headlong into the crazy crush that haunted me from the start, fast and hard, my heart coming out of my chest to fall into his hands, there's no doubt that we belong together. I could never regret claiming him.
-I like it too - I smile and leave a little kiss on his lips.
-So... - by averting his eyes and chewing on his lower lip.
-So?
-Are you ready for round two?