FRAGILE

Chapter 35: Seeking Justice

As the soft hum of the city below began to fade, Levi sat quietly in the plush chair by the window, his gaze lost in the sparkling lights. His mind was still spinning from everything Maximus had shared—the revelation that his Alpha was not only the leader of a powerful pack but also the head of a vast and dangerous mafia empire. It was overwhelming, but somehow, being by Maximus's side made it all seem less daunting.

Levi shifted slightly, feeling the comforting weight of his wolf within him. Since the breakthrough, his wolf had been closer, a steady presence that provided an anchor in the chaos of his mind. He was still healing, still fragile, but with Maximus's guidance, Levi felt a strength growing inside him that he hadn't known was possible. His wolf was regaining its footing, and so was he.

The sound of footsteps approached, drawing Levi's attention from the window. Maximus reappeared, his expression calm but filled with purpose. Behind him, Saxon followed, his stance just as imposing as before. However, this time, Levi noticed that Saxon wasn't alone. Another figure trailed closely behind him—a slender figure with soft, honey-colored hair and nervous blue eyes. Levi recognized him immediately: the boy from the auction house, the one Maximus had saved alongside him.

Saxon glanced at Levi, his eyes flickering with an unreadable emotion before he gestured toward the boy. "Levi, this is my mate. He's been staying with me since the auction house."

The boy's gaze shifted to Levi, a mixture of curiosity and caution in his eyes. Levi offered a small, tentative smile, sensing the same uncertainty in him that he often felt within himself. Saxon's mate nodded, acknowledging Levi's presence but staying close to Saxon's side, as if seeking comfort in the Beta's proximity.

Maximus gave Levi a reassuring smile before addressing Saxon. "It's time, Saxon. Let's handle this."

Levi felt a sense of unease curl in his stomach as Maximus's tone shifted, all business now. The warm, protective presence of his mate was still there, but it was layered with something sharper—dominance, control. This was Maximus in his element, the leader of an empire ready to reclaim his power.

Maximus turned to Levi, his expression softening for a moment. "I need you with me for this. I want you to see how things work, but if you feel overwhelmed at any point, you can step away. Understand?"

Levi nodded. His heart raced with both nerves and excitement, but he trusted Maximus completely. He had been sheltered for so long—first by Thomas, then by his own fears—but now, Maximus was offering him a chance to step into a new world, one where he could be something more than just a broken omega.

Saxon led the group toward the large conference room at the far end of the penthouse. The air inside the room was thick with tension, a palpable reminder that this was not just any meeting—this was about power, control, and justice. As they entered, Levi noticed several men already seated around the long, polished table. They stood as Maximus approached, their gazes sharp and respectful.

"Boss," one of them greeted, bowing his head slightly.

Maximus acknowledged the greeting with a curt nod, his demeanor commanding respect without even needing to raise his voice. He guided Levi to a seat beside him, and Levi sat down carefully, feeling the weight of the eyes in the room briefly turn to him before snapping back to Maximus.

Maximus wasted no time. His voice was low but filled with authority as he began. "I've been away for too long, and in my absence, things have spiraled out of control." He glanced at the men seated around the table, his gaze hardening. "That ends tonight."

The men exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared speak out of turn. Saxon, standing at Maximus's side, crossed his arms and nodded in agreement. Levi could feel the intensity in the room rise as Maximus continued.

"We have the information we need to dismantle the slave ring that's been operating in our territory. It's time to take down the heads of this operation and ensure they never resurface."

Levi's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the slave ring. Memories of his time under Thomas's control flashed through his mind, but he quickly pushed them away, focusing on Maximus's words. This was important. This was about justice—not just for him, but for all the others who had suffered at the hands of the slavers.

Maximus gestured to one of the men at the table, who slid a folder across the polished surface. "We've gathered intel from trusted sources within the organization," the man explained. "We know the locations of the key players and the auctions they've been running. We can take them down in one coordinated strike."

Maximus nodded, flipping through the documents with a practiced eye. Levi watched him closely, admiring the way Maximus's mind worked—sharp, strategic, and focused. There was a quiet ruthlessness to him in this setting, a stark contrast to the tenderness Levi had come to know in private.

"The main auction is set for tomorrow night," Maximus said, his voice dark with resolve. "We hit them there. No mercy."

The men around the table nodded, their expressions grim but determined. Maximus looked up from the documents, his eyes locking onto each of them in turn. "Make no mistake—this isn't just about taking back control. This is about ending an operation that has caused pain and suffering to countless lives. We do this for them."

Levi's heart swelled with emotion as he listened. This was why Maximus had fought so hard to save him—because he believed in justice, in protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. Levi's hand instinctively reached for Maximus's under the table, and Maximus gave his fingers a reassuring squeeze.

Saxon stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "We've already placed people in key positions. When the auction starts, we'll strike. Swiftly and without hesitation."

Maximus gave a satisfied nod, his expression hard as steel. "Good. Let's make sure they never hurt anyone again."

The meeting continued with more details about the plan, but Levi's mind was already reeling. This was real. Maximus was about to take down the very operation that had nearly destroyed him. He wasn't sure how to process it all—the fear, the relief, the overwhelming sense of justice that surged within him.

By the time the meeting wrapped up, Levi felt both exhausted and oddly energized. Maximus stood, his presence commanding as always, and the men around the table quickly followed suit. One by one, they filed out of the room, leaving only Maximus, Levi, Saxon, and his mate behind.

Maximus turned to Levi, his expression softening once again. "You did well, love," he murmured, his voice filled with pride. "I know this was a lot."

Levi nodded, still processing everything. "It was... a lot," he admitted, his voice quiet. "But I'm glad I was here."

Maximus smiled, his hand cupping Levi's cheek tenderly. "We're in this together now."

Levi leaned into the touch, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. Maximus had promised him a future where he could heal, and now, Levi could see that future taking shape. They weren't just tearing down the walls of the past—they were building something new.

As they left the conference room, the weight of what was to come hung in the air, but for the first time in a long time, Levi didn't feel afraid.

He was ready to face it all—with Maximus by his side.