FRAGILE

Chapter 34: A King

The sun was beginning to dip low in the sky as Maximus gently shook Levi awake. After days of rest, Levi's wolf had finally found a semblance of balance, enough for him to function normally outside the confines of their home. Maximus had been patient, watching over his mate like a hawk as he healed in both body and spirit, knowing that the journey was far from over. But today marked a significant step forward—a step into a part of Maximus's world that Levi had never seen before.

Levi blinked up at him, his blue eyes still foggy from sleep but clearer than they had been in days. His wolf had been quiet but stable, watching over him in much the same way that Maximus had. A small sigh escaped Levi's lips as he stretched, his body still sore in some places but nowhere near the broken shell it had been before.

"Are you ready, love?" Maximus asked softly, his voice low and comforting.

Levi nodded slowly, though his eyes were filled with uncertainty. He had never left the pack house since being rescued, and the thought of venturing into unfamiliar territory made him feel vulnerable. But Maximus was here. Maximus, who had cared for him, sheltered him, and protected him. Levi trusted him with everything he had.

Maximus smiled warmly, sensing Levi's apprehension. He placed a reassuring hand on Levi's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You'll be safe with me. I need to go into the city for business, and I want you by my side."

Levi's heart raced at the thought. Maximus was bringing him along—not as a slave, not as an obligation, but as his mate. The realization settled like a warm weight in his chest. He nodded again, more firmly this time, and slowly rose from the bed. He wasn't entirely sure he was ready for whatever this trip entailed, but if Maximus believed he could handle it, then Levi was willing to try.

Maximus helped Levi get dressed, choosing clothes that were comfortable but elegant enough for the occasion. Levi's hands still trembled slightly as he buttoned his shirt, and Maximus watched him closely, ready to step in if needed. But Levi managed to steady himself, determination flickering in his eyes as he completed the task on his own.

Once they were ready, Maximus led Levi outside, where a sleek, black car awaited them. The driver, a stern-faced man Levi hadn't met before, nodded respectfully to Maximus before opening the door. Maximus gestured for Levi to enter first, and Levi did so, sliding into the leather seats with a quiet murmur of thanks. Maximus followed, sitting close to his mate as the car sped off toward the city.

Levi watched the scenery pass by in a blur, his mind racing with questions he didn't know how to voice. He had known that Maximus was powerful—an Alpha, a leader—but he hadn't realized the full extent of it until now. The way people responded to him, the quiet authority in every move Maximus made, hinted at something much larger than Levi had ever imagined. His curiosity gnawed at him, but the remnants of his conditioning held him back from asking outright.

Maximus, sensing Levi's unease, broke the silence. "We'll be staying at my penthouse in the city tonight. There's some business I need to handle, but I want you to see what it is I do—what our pack is involved in."

Levi turned to look at Maximus, confusion knitting his brows. "Business?"

Maximus's expression softened, his gaze gentle but serious. "Levi, there's something you should know about me... about us." He paused for a moment, as if weighing his words carefully. "Our pack doesn't just operate in the shadows of the forests. We're powerful in the city, too. I control a vast empire—one that spans not just the werewolf world, but the human world as well."

Levi's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. An empire?

Maximus gave a slight nod, confirming Levi's unspoken question. "I run the most powerful mafia on the Eastern Seaboard. Our pack has its claws in everything—from business to politics, to the underworld. It's how we survive, how we protect our own."

Levi's stomach twisted with anxiety. The idea of Maximus, his Maximus, being the head of something as dark and dangerous as a mafia was difficult to comprehend. But at the same time, it made sense. The way Maximus carried himself, the way people moved around him with such deference... it all clicked into place. His Alpha wasn't just any leader—he was a king in his own right.

The car pulled up to a towering skyscraper, its glass walls shimmering in the fading light. Maximus stepped out first, offering Levi his hand. Levi hesitated for only a moment before taking it, allowing Maximus to help him out of the car. They entered the building, the elevator carrying them swiftly to the top floor.

When the doors opened, Levi was met with a stunning sight. Maximus's penthouse was vast, a sleek blend of modern luxury and old-world elegance. The city's lights sprawled out beneath them, twinkling like stars on the horizon. It was a far cry from the rustic comfort of the pack house, and Levi found himself momentarily speechless.

As they stepped inside, a familiar figure was waiting for them—Saxon, Maximus's Beta. Levi had met him only briefly before, but the man's imposing presence was hard to forget. Saxon gave a short nod of acknowledgment to Levi before turning his attention to Maximus.

"Boss," Saxon said, his tone all business. "Everything's in place. The meeting is set for an hour from now."

Maximus nodded in response, but his focus remained on Levi. "We'll get settled first. I want Levi to be comfortable."

Saxon's eyes flicked to Levi, a curious glint in them as if he were trying to assess Maximus's mate. He said nothing, but the weight of his gaze made Levi shift uncomfortably.

Maximus, sensing Levi's unease, placed a reassuring hand on his back and led him deeper into the penthouse. "This is where we'll stay for the night," Maximus said softly, guiding Levi toward a private sitting area. "You'll be safe here, and you can rest while I handle the meeting."

Levi glanced around, taking in the opulence of the space. It was luxurious, but there was something comforting about it too. Perhaps it was the lingering scent of Maximus's presence, or the knowledge that no one would dare harm him here. Either way, Levi began to relax, just a little.

Saxon stepped forward, clearing his throat. "I'll be here to assist Maximus, Levi. If you need anything, just let me know."

Levi nodded politely, though he still felt a little out of place. Saxon's sharp eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before the Beta turned back to Maximus.

Maximus smiled at Levi, his eyes warm and full of reassurance. "Rest here, love. I won't be far. You're safe with me."

Levi took a deep breath, trying to settle the nerves that twisted inside him. He wasn't used to this world—this strange, powerful empire that Maximus ruled. But for the first time in a long time, he wasn't afraid. Maximus was here, and as long as they were together, Levi knew he could face whatever came next.

Levi found his way to a plush chair by the window, gazing out at the city below. As he watched the lights flicker across the skyline, a strange sense of calm began to wash over him.