Page 49 of Veil of Shadows

The minutes stretch into what feels like hours as we wait, the storm outside growing more violent. My thoughts race, questioning our choices. “What if he doesn’t come alone?” I voice my concern, and the thought sends a chill down my spine.

“He will,” Viktor assures me, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. He knows as well as I do that Lev is unpredictable, especially when angered.

The building creaks as the wind picks up, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I need to be strong for both of us. This isn’t just about my feelings for Viktor anymore; it’s about survival.

Just then, the door swings open with a bang, and Lev strides in, flanked by two men I don’t recognize. The atmosphere shifts immediately, a tangible tension filling the air. My body instinctively moves closer to Viktor, ready to react if necessary.

Lev’s eyes narrow as he surveys the scene. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding,” he sneers, his voice dripping with disdain. “I should have known you’d choose a pathetic place like this.”

Viktor steps forward, his expression hardening. “I’m not hiding, Lev. I’m done with the Bratva’s games.”

Lev lets out a sharp laugh, incredulous. “You think you can just walk away? You’re more than a soldier; you’re a part of this family.” His gaze flickers to me, then back to Viktor. “And you’ve chosen her over us. You think she can keep you safe? She’s a liability.”

“I’m not going to let you manipulate me any longer,” Viktor replies, his voice low and dangerous. “Alyssa isn’t a weakness; she’s my choice.”

The tension crackles in the air, and I can feel my heart racing. Lev’s face twists with anger as he steps closer, his men flanking him like wolves ready to pounce. “You’re a fool, Viktor. You’ve betrayed everything for a woman who will only bring you pain.”

Before I can respond, Lev lunges forward, his hand reaching for a weapon hidden at his side. “You think I won’t take you down? You’ve left me no choice!”

Instinct kicks in. I grab the gun from my belt, my movements fluid and practiced. “Get away from him!” I shout, aiming my weapon at Lev’s head.

The room freezes for a split second. Lev’s eyes widen in surprise, but then his lips curl into a smirk. “You think you can intimidate me, little girl? You’re out of your depth.”

“Don’t underestimate her,” Viktor growls, stepping between us. “You’ve crossed a line, Lev.”

Lev sneers, his voice taunting. “And what are you going to do about it? Protect her with empty threats?”

The tension in the room is suffocating as I try to remain steady. “I won’t let you hurt him,” I declare, my voice strong despite the fear coursing through me. “I’ll shoot.”

Lev laughs again, but this time it sounds unhinged. “You think your threats mean anything? You’re all bluff and no bite.”

Before I can react, he lunges for Viktor, and chaos erupts. Viktor reacts instinctively, grappling with Lev, and I’m left momentarily stunned. The two men clash, fists flying as the fight spills into the open space of the warehouse.

“Viktor!” I scream, but my voice is lost in the chaos.

I scan the room for the other two men Lev brought, who are now inching toward me, ready to flank Viktor. My heart races as I know I can’t let them overpower him. Adrenaline surges through my veins, and I brace myself, aiming my weapon at the nearest man. “Stay back!”

He hesitates, eyes darting between me and the fight. Viktor lands a solid punch on Lev, who stumbles back but quickly recovers. “You think you can take me?” Lev snarls, wiping blood from his mouth. “I’ve fought beside you. You don’t know what I’m capable of!”

In that moment, I decide. I can’t just stand by while Viktor fights for us. I fire a shot into the air, the sound reverberating in the enclosed space. “Stop!” I demand, my voice cutting through the chaos.

Both men freeze momentarily, their eyes locking onto me. “You’re insane,” Lev spits, glaring at me. “You think you can win this?”

Viktor takes advantage of the distraction, lunging forward and tackling Lev to the ground. They wrestle, the sound of bodies hitting the concrete echoing in the room. I can see the intensity in Viktor’s movements, fueled by a primal need to protect not just himself but me as well.

“Get up!” I shout at the other men who are still watching. “Help him!”

One of them, clearly hesitant, glances at Lev but doesn’t move. The other, however, takes a step back, realizing the stakes have shifted. “This isn’t worth it!” he finally says, backing away.

The fight continues, Viktor’s determination driving him forward as he grapples Lev to the ground. I can see the anger and betrayal on Viktor’s face, the emotions pouring out as he fights for his freedom and for me.

“Why, Viktor?” Lev grunts, struggling beneath him. “Why her? She’ll never understand what we are!”

Viktor’s voice is low, filled with conviction. “She understands more than you ever did. She’s my choice.”

With that declaration, Viktor shifts his weight, using his strength to pin Lev down more forcefully. The two men continue to struggle, their history fueling every blow exchanged. I can feel the tension radiating off them, the years of loyalty and betrayal coming to a head.

Just then, the other man finally decides to intervene, lunging at Viktor from the side. “Watch out!” I shout, my heart racing as I aim my weapon at him, ready to shoot.

---