Chapter 42 The Black Thing

The Black Thing

Avalyn

Nik led me to a huge room where lots and lots of people were sitting and many more were even standing at the back. A cameraman was standing in the middle and filming us too. There was a large screen at the far end of the room of which we could see the anxious faces of people watching us live.

We entered from one of the side doors and he extended his hand, which I took, and he led me up the stage. Everyone welcomed us with a warm round of applause which made me blush.

After they quietened, Nik started. "Good afternoon everyone. First, I would like to thank you all for all your handwork that has helped us become of of the top MNC's in the world today. And for the outstanding profits, the company has earned for the year 2018" He smiled at everyone.

The crowd broke into another applause, louder than the other one.

"I would like to introduce my wife, Avalyn Volkov." He pressed his hand on my lower back. "She is now officially one of the owners of Volkov Corps. You will have to listen to her boss around just as much as I do now." He chuckled as everyone broke into laughter and another hearty applause which led me to blush again as I smiled widely at everyone.

Nik had his way of charming people. People just liked him naturally. It wasn't just the looks, it was his aura, his style, the way he talked, the way he smiled. I knew he was closed off most of the time, especially with strangers. But inside that mask, he was a man with a big heart. He would never wish ill of someone. At least not until they mess up.

"The company's CEO, late Mr. Christian Fallon was found dead because of an animal attack. It was a very sad time for all of us and I know the whole company mourned his loss. He was a great man. May he rest in peace." Everyone murmured 'may he rest in peace' after him.

"Mr. George Colby, the COO stepped up as the stand-in CEO." He gave a pointed look to a man in the front row who was shifting in his seat. "In that duration, twenty million dollars were transferred to some unknown account in the Swiss bank. Did you know this?"

The man looked uncomfortable as he stood up and the camera focused on him. "We had no control over it, Mr. Volkov. Someone had hacked into our system and wired it. I have our finance and IT team still working on it."

"Why was I not informed as soon as it happened?" Nik asked, an undertone of anger in his voice.

"We thought we had it under control." He gave the lame reply.

"That does not mean that you will not inform me of the happenings in my company. Were any other chief officers informed?" Nik asked.

"Mr. Powley and Mrs. Heath knew." He replied, sounding ashamed.

"Very well. I would like to make major structural changes right now. Mr. Colby, you are fired."

Gasps shot out in the room.

"Mr. Powley, Mrs. Heath, you are fired too." He said, silencing the room.

A man shot out of his seat. "You can't fire people like that, Mr.Volkov."

"I can and I will. I am the Chairperson and I own the company. I do not tolerate this kind of behavior, Mr. Heath. As a matter of fact, what steps have you taken as a CIO?" He arched his brow.

"We have registered a complaint but the account isn't traceable. There is nothing more we can do." He replied.

"That is not the answer you give when such a big amount is at stake." He gave a sharp look to the man. "You are fired too."

Everyone looked terrified now. Nik was firing people who felt and right. This won't be good for the company. There can't be uncertainty in a company like this. But this sort of information should not have been hidden either.

I placed my hand on his arm. He needed to calm down.

"Anyone who knew about this but did not raise their voice or inform Nikolai, please stand up," I said, silencing the room.

"Stand up and you only lose your job here. Or else I will find out my way and you might find it difficult to find a job elsewhere too." Nik looked calm right now but I felt his anger through our bond. I grabbed his hand and rubbed circles to calm him down.

Slowly, a few people stood up.

"The entire team of Chief officers, I see. All of you are fired and you can leave now." He said and gave a meaningful look to the guard standing at the doors.

Some ashamed and some arrogant, the people who were standing left the room.

All the employees were holding their breath for his next move. There was pin-drop silence and everyone watched Nik with rapt attention.

"Everyone in the company is granted a promotion. The new chief officers, please stand up."

Everyone was shell-shocked. I would have laughed at everyone's expressions if it wasn't such a serious matter.

Slowly, a few people got up, looking at each other inconspicuously but I caught it. I don't think they believed this happened.

"If you would have been in your previous boss's position, what would have you all done?" He looked at every standing person in the eye.

"We would have informed you." A man in his late forties spoke.

Nik nodded. "And what would your next course of action be to get the money back, considering all the facts you were told some time ago?"

They all remained quiet. Thinking.

A hand shot up in the crowd that was sitting.

Nik nodded at him and the man stood up. A smile grew on my face when I saw it was Ethan. "If someone took my money, I would not sit quietly, Sir. If someone can wire our money to another account, I think we should do the same. Especially when the authorities can't help us."

A daring answer.

"That is not what an honorable man with morals would do." Nik studied him and then turned his gaze back to the newly appointed Chief Officers. It wasn't just immoral, it was illegal too.

"I'm a businessman too, Sir. And it won't be an immoral thing if it's taking back my own money." Ethan said, bringing our attention back to him.

"What's your name?" Nik asked.

"Ethan Lesley." He replied.

"What's your job in the company, right now?" Nik asked again. I had a hitch where Nik was going with this.

"I'm a business analyst." He replied.

"Ethan, my man, come up on the stage." Nikolai beckoned him here.

Ethan didn't seem as confident as before when he walked here. He climbed up on the stage and gave me a shaky smile before he looked up at Nik.

"Employees of Volkov Corp., I present you to the new CEO, Ethan Lesley. Along with that, I announce a ten percent increment in everyone's salary." Nik announced.

Thirty seconds later, the room burst into applause and cheers.

Ethan looked shocked. He looked at me with his eyes wide, as if asking if it's real.

"Congratulations." I grinned at him and extended my hand.

"Thanks, Avalyn." He smiled in shock.

"We will discuss the rest in my office. Congratulations on your new job Lesley." Nik shook his hand.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity, Mr. Volkov." Ethan shook his hand heartily.

Nik nodded at him.

"Thank you all for attending the meeting, you may return to your jobs now," Nik announced and grabbed my hand, leading me out as Ethan followed behind closely.

The elevator ride was short and silent as we made our way to Nik's office.

Nik sat in his chair and Ethan and I sat in the ones across from him.

"Mr. Lesley, you will be under probation period for six months. Since this role is new for you, you can take all the help you need from the new Chief Officers and my assistant, Ross." Nik told him.

"Please call me Ethan. And I will do my best to fit in the role, Sir. I'm ecstatic to start my new job." His smile was infectious and I smiled back at him.

"Let's see if your attitude about the job remains the same in six months. Good luck, Ethan. You may move your belongings to your new office." Nik nodded, dismissing him.

Ethan stood up, "thank you for the opportunity again, Mr. Volkov," and with a warm smile in my direction, he left.

"You know him?" Nik asked beckoning me towards him with his finger.

"He helped me with the photocopy machine and then helped me to find Mason Lockwood and Sylvia," I replied as I walked to him.

"Helped or flirted?" He tugged me down on his lap.

"Not everyone finds me attractive enough to flirt." I played with the knot of his tie.

"That's where you are wrong. You are the most beautiful women I've seen." He kissed my mark.

"I doubt so." He was my mate. He is supposed to find me attractive. And I saw Sylvia. He had been with her...I wasn't prettier than her. I had no misconceptions about my beauty.

"You are a natural beauty. He trailed his finger on my eyes, nose, and lips, "all this is real", his finger trailed down my neck and circled my breasts, "and this is real too", his finger rested above my heart, "and this is more beautiful than anything I have ever seen."

I blushed. "You are too sweet."

"I'm not sweet." A growl reverberated through his chest that shook me.

I giggled. "Whatever you say."

"And Sylvia didn't mean anything. No girl I've been with means anything." He said seriously.

"I know," I replied. I had accepted it. He was a handsome man and girls fawned over him. And he was a hot-blooded man. A man with needs. I understood that.

He kissed my mark again. "You should go take a shower. We are going to have visitors."

"Who is coming?" I asked.

"Maximilian and Natalia." He replied.

"Natalia?" I grinned and got off his lap. It had been so long since I had seen her. And she was kidnapped. I had heard she was fine but I wanted to see for myself.

"Yes." He chuckled at my excitement. "So get your ass in the shower before they come. I don't want anyone else smelling you like this." He slapped my ass, sending me to the bathroom.

I rushed to the attached bathroom and closed the door behind me. I was impressed that an office bathroom had a shower place. I removed my dress and folded it neatly, placing it in one of the drawers so it wouldn't get wet. I took an extra towel and hung it on the handle of the shower cabin's door.

I hopped into the shower and diligently lathered myself with the body wash so I only smelt of the soap and me. After I was done, I patted myself dry and wore the dress again. I stepped out of the shower and walked to Nikolai.

He was typing something on the computer which seemed too important and stressful. I placed my hands on his shoulders and started massaging his stiff muscles.

He groaned, rotating his neck. "Thanks, Love." He murmured as he kept typing.

"Anytime, Nik." I smiled even though he couldn't see me.

I stopped when my fingers started aching. It was just when he finished typing.

He stood up from his chair and placed in the room a bit, looking worried for some reason.

"What happened?" I asked.

"I'm meeting Maximilian after a long time. And the way we parted last time wasn't a...proper goodbye." He stopped and looked at me. He took two long stepped and stopped in front of me, kissing me hard enough to make my head spin.

He released me when there was a knock on the door. "Thanks. You calm me down." He whispered. I stood on my toes and pecked him again. "It will all be fine," I whispered.

"Come in." He said, giving me a soft smile.

Ross opened the door and gestured a man and Nat to walk in.

"No one is to disturb us. Forward all the calls to your phone." Nikolai told Ross.

"Yes, Sir." He replied and left.

Natalia immediately rushed to me and squeezed the life out of me. "I missed you so much." She exclaimed.

"I missed you too. And I would like to ask you how you are doing but I can see you are as strong as ever." I grinned up at her.

"Momma got muscles girl!" She said and flexed her biceps, laughing. "And yes, I'm a hundred percent alright. Max, my mate saved my life." She said.

"I'm so happy you are healthy and alive." I squeezed her hand. "And that you finally found your mate, you deserve it."

"Ava," Nik called me and I immediately turned to him. "Yes?" I asked.

"Meet my brother, Maximilian. Max, this is Avalyn." Nik introduced.

Nik was nervous to meet this man. Why? He looked the same size as a Nik. Maybe a bit bigger. But he didn't scare me. I was just nervous because of Nik's reaction.

Max extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He said and smiled at me.

Suddenly a mini black human-ish shape appeared on his shoulder. "A smile?" He laughed on his shoulder. "Maximilian can't be good. But you can be grateful to the woman because of whom your mate agreed to be your slave. She would have never even let you touch her otherwise." He scoffed.

I shook his hand. What was that thing?

Slowly, I stepped close to him, hoping he wouldn't move, and grabbed the little black thing.

"You can see him?" Max whispered.

"Yes," I whispered and looked down at the thing in my hand. I squeezed him a little, feeling an aura of darkness pour out of him. Goosebumps erupted on my skin. I had never seen or heard about anything like this!

"Leave me or I'll be the face of your nightmares." He snarled at me.

"Can you kill him?" Max asked, his tone angry.

"I can try," I replied but in the next second, the black thing puffed and disappeared.

"What the actual fuck was that?" Natalia asked.

"I'd like to know too," Nikolai said, clearly wanting to know what happened.

"Do you remember when I once told you that I heard whispers? That I wasn't just talking to myself?" Max asked Nik.

"Yes. We were children back then." Nik replied.

"She caught the devil that whispered evil things in my ear. And I think it's dead." Max sounded amazed.

Max looked at me intently. "You aren't just a werewolf are you?" He asked me.

I looked wearily at Nikolai. I'm not sure if I was supposed to tell to anyone. He hadn't told me but I had an itch that it wasn't something I should flaunt.

"No," Nik replied, saving me from my dilemma. "We aren't sure what she is yet. She has these magical powers. She doesn't use spells so a witch is out of the question."

"Avalyn Alvarez." He wondered, thinking something. "Alpha Alvarez. Your father was a vampire. Mother an Alpha werewolf who inherited the pack." Max said suddenly. "Unless she wasn't just a werewolf. What's your mother's maiden name?" He asked.

I looked at him with wide eyes. How the hell did he know all of this?

"I think that's enough, Max." Nik stopped him.

"Avalyn?" He persisted.

"Valerie Aine James," I replied, biting my lip. Did he maybe, by any chance know them? He was a vampire so he could be really old and maybe be friends with my parents?

His eyes widened a fraction and my hopes rose.

"Nikolai, do you know who Faelern is?" Max asked, jumping to a different topic.

"The king of all the Faes," Nik replied. Faes had a king?

"Did you know he had a daughter?"  Max asked him again.

"No. He doesn't even have a mate." Nik shook his head in denial.

"He does. I mean he did. She died giving birth to her daughter. It's been said that his mate was cursed. That she will die giving birth to her daughter. Her entire lineage was cursed. Fallen learned about this and wanted to kill the baby in the womb but his mate ran away." Max said.

How does he even know all of this? Faes don't live in our dimension anymore. After the attacks, they came together and escaped to a dimension that none of us are allowed to enter. Very few faes are still here, and those who are, stay in hiding.

"Why are you telling us this?" Nik asked, his tone a bit angry.

"Because the baby's name was Valarie Aine," I told him. My mother?

"Adopted daughter of Alpha Jerome James and Luna Mary James. Her name after the adoption was Valarie Aine James." Max spoke. This means I'm a Fae. And my mother knew she was going to die having me but she still brought me into this world.

Max's gaze locked with mine. "Your mother was the long-lost daughter of King Fallen. Which makes you the heir to the Fey Kingdom." Tears burned at the back of my eyes and I blinked, clearing them. Papa hardly ever talked about my mom. And I had stopped asking after some time because I knew it hurt him too much to talk about her. This was the first piece of substantial information I got about her.

"Princess Avalyn. You're practically royalty. Shit." Natalia whispered.

More tears had gathered in my eyes when I looked at Nikolai. This will also mean that having Nik's child will kill me since my entire lineage is cursed.

"How are you so sure?" Nik asked Max, his voice quiet.

"Because Luna Mary James is the same Mary that helped my mother escape my father. The same Mary that out of the fear of my father, left me at your doorstep when I was ten. The Montana pack gave protection to refugees. This is why Fiona when came to our dimension, she directly went to them for help. I have heard many stories about Valerie growing up." Max replied.

"No," Nik growled. "You're lying. This isn't fucking true. She is no princess. She is my mate. That is all she is."

"Nik—" Max said but Nik cut him off.

"No. Stop talking!" He snarled at Max. "She isn't going to die carrying my child. She isn't cursed." I know he was overwhelmed. I know, even though we hadn't talked about it but he wanted to have children. And I know he would never agree to have kids if it meant that I'll die.

Nik turned to look at me. "I don't give you the permission to die, Ava." He whispered in her ear, his hand on her lower belly.

"Is she already pregnant?" Nat whispered.

"No!" Nik snapped. "And she never will be." He said the last part looking at me. I knew it. But I hoped. I want to have children with him. I want to have a mini Nikolai.

"But—" A child was the greatest thing I could give to him. I wouldn't care if it cost me my life. I would happily sacrifice myself for our baby.

"No buts. My word is final, Avalyn." Master said, his tone said end of discussion.

I wiped my cheeks and nodded, looking down.

"Okay, Nikolai," I  whispered, remembering to use my words.

"So what did you call me for?" Max asked him.

"I wanted you to train Natalia exactly how Emilio likes his slaves. If he favors her, she can get closer to him, coming directly under his protection. Having a sort of authority at the club, at least when he wasn't around. It will be much easier for her to snoop around that way." Nik explained. My head shot up, looking at both the men.

Nat was still going to carry on with their plan? I looked at her with wide eyes. She has a mate! she can't do this now! She won't, would she?

"There is a change of plans," Max said.

Thank god!

"I'm not going to let anyone touch my mate," Max said, his tone final. "But I will take her to the club as my slave. Two people working for information is better than one." He offered. It seemed like a much better and sensible plan but it worried me more. And now, I had one more person to worry about along with Natalia— Max.

"As long as you get the job done, I don't care," Nik replied, pulling me closer to him by snaking his arm around my waist, trying to calm me down.

"But the question is, how will you get in? It's an exclusive club." Nik asked him.

"I own a club as well. I'll invite him. Pretend to be his friend. He will invite me himself." Max shrugged.

"He is a sick bastard who thinks he is better than everyone else. He doesn't make friends easily." I spoke, my voice quiet.

"Then what do you suggest?" Max asked me.

"Slaves and sex is his weakness. Nikolai is right. Train Nat likes me. I was his only constant slave. His favorite. If he is attracted to Nat, he will come to talk to you. But you will have to dance around fire for that." I replied after I thought about it.

Max looked at Nat and held her gaze.

"We will do it." He said after a minute.

"Let's have a seat first," Nik said, and sat on his seat, making me sit on his lap.

Max and Nat sat on the chairs facing us on the other side of the desk.

"Tell them about him and how he likes his slaves, Ava," Nikolai whispered in my ear.

I nodded, biting my lip. "He doesn't like his slaves to talk. Not a even 'yes, Master.' Talk only when asked questions. But he does like to hear them scream. And see them suffer in pain." I whispered.

I was so terrified to even open my mouth, that Nik had to coax me to speak in the starting.

"He doesn't listen to safe words. You will have to train her without a safe word, Max." I looked at Max. "You will have to know her limit so you know when she has had enough and you should stop." I felt a good aura deep inside him. He had issues but he was a good man. I hope he will take good care of Nat.

"I'll do it," Max said, his voice a promised, and squeezed Natalia's hand who looked a little nervous.

"She can't walk. You will have to collar her and put a leash on her. Eat and drink from the dog bowl." I closed my eyes, heaving in a deep breath. I remembered how he had asked me to 'present' myself in front of all his friends and told me to eat while they took turns beating my ass and back raw.

"I think this much is enough," Nikolai spoke softly.

I shook my head. "They are doing this for me. For us. I need to help them, Nik." I whispered. "You will have to humiliate her. Call her names. But show her off proudly in front of your friends." My bottom lip quivered. Nik rubbed my back to calm me.

No. I won't cry. Nik has taught me to be strong. He tore my collar and he fed me with his own hands. I'm safe now. I'm loved now.

"Favourite method of punishment is whip, paddle, and cane." Anger filled me. How could I have let that happen to myself? Why did I never fight back? "Especially when she is eating. And more punishment when she drops food on the ground."

"After everything, he does to you, you have to thank him three times, kissing his feet in between. You will have to be used as a piece of furniture. A table for him to keep his plates on or a stool to place his legs on." Natalia had an option. She shouldn't have to go through all of this. "I'm so sorry you have to do this." A tear spilled down my eye.

"I don't have to do it. I want to do it, Avalyn." Nat squeezed my hands.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully.

"What is his type?" Max asked me.

"Curvy. Dark-brown hair. Exactly like me." I replied quietly.

He nodded.

"Is there anything else?" He asked Nik.

"I would like to talk to Mary," Nik replied.

"I'll message you a number. Call her and ask if you can meet her. Be polite, she isn't very fond of you for some reason." Max said.

"I don't care. I just want answers." Nik muttered.

"When are you planning to talk to her?" Max asked him.

"Today. Whenever she is available." He replied.

"I'll talk to her myself," Max told him and called Mary.

"Hello, grandma." Max greeted. "A friend of mine wanted to meet you. Are you free today?"

"Oh honey, you should have called me earlier. I've come out with some friends. You can come tomorrow. I'm free all day." I heard the voice of an old lady reply through the phone.

Max looked at Nikolai in question who nodded in reply.

"Alright, thanks. He will drop by tomorrow." Max informed her.

"And who is this friend of yours?" She asked.

"Nikolai and his mate. You should enjoy yourself with your friends. I'll talk to you later. Bye!" Max hung up immediately.

He nodded at Nik. It's done.

"Thanks, man," Nik said.

"Anytime. Do you want to stay at my place? I live fifteen minutes away." Max kindly offered. It seemed like a good idea since we lived three hours away, especially if we didn't want to travel for a total of nine hours in the next twelve hours.

"That would be great, thanks." He smiled.

We stood up from our seats and walked to the door.

"I want all the legalities sorted out by tomorrow. Tell Ethan to mail me any discrepancies." Nik instructed Ross on our way to the elevator.

We got into the car and Nik followed Max's car to his house.