TAMED

The Betrayal

"Right...She's right in here, come on in." The man explained as he welcomed Levi and Vince inside. The two held rigid in blatant refusal. "Okay, okay, tough crowd I see, I'll go get her."

"Who are you...?" Levi asked flatly, sparing no room for politeness. The mysterious man stopped just shy of the door to the plane and turned, raising a brow.

"My name is Alejandro Sanna. My family and I are collectors of rarities around the world, treasure hunters if you will. Though we are also part of a few special clubs that amass military weapons and technology." He winked.

Levi was unsure of Alejandro. Why would he be so blunt and honest? Was it a lie?

"You must be wondering why I'm telling you this. If you must know, it's because you won't be leaving here alive." The man smiled with a false sense of kindness and turned to enter the plane.

"Don't suppose you'd let me check out one of these clubs?" Levi tried casually as he ignored the not-so-subtle death threat.

Vince remained at his side, though he stayed silent, his stomach was churning. The whole ordeal was beginning to get to him. This wasn't a movie, he wasn't scoffing at the actions of actors on screen...this was real, and the threat was real. He tried to hide his trembling as he wondered where Ares was.

"Sorry, it's on a strict invite-only basis. And at the moment, we're full." Alejandro mused as he continued into the jet, disappearing within its walls.

After a moment or so, Dr. Loren emerged from the aircraft, her hands bound behind her back by zipties. She seemed unhurt, that was a relief, but the feeling of relief wouldn't last for long. Her eyes locked onto the boy before her, she knew that this certainly was not the Hound they'd struck a deal for. Vince growled lowly and made to move forward, only to receive a sharp jerk of the leash which connected to his collar.

"Settle." Levi commanded with a thick authority. Still Vince glared and remained rigid. He played the part expertly, despite his fear of the unknown.

Alejandro gave a brief chuckle as he observed the boy.

"Well, here she is. Now, how about your side of the bargain hm? Oh wait, didn't you say on the phone that you were going to kill me? Well, now's your chance I guess. Better move quick, because I know that your little friend is up there in the birds nest." He charmed as he glanced to ground control and placed a pistol to Dr. Loren's head. Levi hadn't known the agent was up there, he had his suspicions, but he was glad that his thoughts were confirmed.

The woman was tense as she was forced to stand beside her captor. Her and Levi returned each other's gaze as if trying to communicate telepathically.

"First...I have a question." Levi began.

"Yes, yes, what is it?" The opposite man replied in annoyance. "I don't want to hang around longer than I have to, if you get what I'm saying. It isn't easy keeping up hostage situations with high profile people, you know."

Levi ignored the sentiment.

"What if I were to release 3170 from his position? Say...if I were to give him permission to act freely. How would you defend yourself?" The Italian questioned as he gave Vince another brief tug to the leash, causing him to growl.

Alejandro raised an inquisitive brow.

"Then I suppose he would try to kill me, yes?" He answered plainly with a shrug.

"Oh most certainly."

"Well, then you should know that if you do try your little stunt, I have measures in place to protect me. It would be best if you just hand him over, we made a deal after all. I get what I want, and you...well, you at least get the girl, isn't that the theme of most heroic tales? You're doing that boy a favor, he will thrive under our guidance."