fuel up for what was to come.
"Viktor," Dimitris went right along to the bodyguard. "You have to come with us."
He wasn't going to deny the obvious, but I could tell he didn't look too pleased about not leaving on his own.
"You can't handle this solo. We have no clue if Dubai is totally out of the race."
"Fine," he replied.
That left Onyx.
"Stay here and watch Willow?" he offered with a smirk.
"Yes," he replied.
"But if we need backup, I'll inform you."
"Say the word, I'll be there."
"What about Aurelia?" Saint inquired.
"She'll stay here," Dimitris replied. "Willow may be watched, but I'm sure Aurelia has to make her some sort of medicine. If what Neo explained is on point, Willow needs to be in top shape by the morning."
"Let's get cracking then," Saint declared, his fingers already tapping the keys. I liked how Jayce still remembered where the hidden computers were, because he was already typing away.
Finishing my watermelon, I filled my plate, got another glass of champagne, and walked over to the island. Getting comfortable, I began to eat while I formulated a solid plan that I'd share with Dimitris after I was finished.
Time for a real showdown.
2
Saving Grace Of Turmoil
~VIKTOR~
"Viktor."
I paused in exiting the room at Onyx's call, turning my gaze enough to see him leaning against the wall next to the bed that cushioned Willow. I was trying to avoid looking at her sleeping figure, not because I held hate, but because the rise of guilt that fought to consume me was a mere distraction in dire times like these.
A blood bath is approaching. I can't be distracted.
"If you're going to remind me to call you for backup, it's not necessary," I voiced.
Onyx chuckled. "If you think I'm going to sit here and watch Willow all night, you're sadly mistaken."
I gave him a look before sighing. "I can see why she loves and absolutely hates you."
"She can hate me all she wants. She loves when I fuck her my way."
"Your way is going to make her grumpy in the morning. I doubt we need that."
"As long as she can walk, it doesn't matter whether she wants to stab me or not."
"Stabbing is an understatement," I huffed. Surely, we both knew she'd be willing to pull the trigger on Onyx if he pushed enough.
As if it would be worth it. He'd survive a few bullets if it was from Willow, just to piss her off.
"What do you need?" I inquired.
"Your opinion."
That wasn't what I expected from him in a time like this, but it was enough to pique my interest as I turned around to give him my full attention. I had about five minutes to be downstairs to meet the others, so I could spare a few to listen to what bothered him.
"What's troubling you? If it's about Neo or Nico, that will take a few hours to discuss."
"I already had a hunch who Neo was."
Oh?
That was actually unexpected because no way in hell did I catch that vibe of royalty he’d produced minutes earlier. The power that forced shifters to bow to their knees and acknowledge a shifter of royal blood and the hierarchy they unlocked by displaying their potential was intense.
"How so?"
"I’ve sensed it for a while. That royal aura comes out from time to time. I doubt the others noticed, but I did, especially when we were racing to save Willow," he admitted.
My face must have shown a glimpse of my hidden pain because he whispered, "You should take the same advice she gave to me."
"Your advice is for something you had no control over," I quietly countered while my eyes were locked on his. "I, on the other hand, had the skills to pick up suicidal tendencies and I didn't catch on."
"None of us did," Onyx whispered, his eyes drifting to Willow. I could only follow his lead, and there she was, sleeping comfortably on her side with the light blanket covering her up. The soft silk material only outlined her figure perfectly, and it was hard for me to ignore what her femininity did to me.
No distractions.
I had to keep myself focused if I wanted to trigger the assassin in me, and after the close call we’d experienced, I couldn't allow any more slip-ups.
Especially when it came to Roberto.
I may not work for him anymore after Willow's resignation, but his death would have some benefit to our enemies and we had enough on our plate.
No need to add more misery to our current sorrows.
"What are your