My muscles tense as a mist of red swarms across my vision.
The first one looks over at me. “What’s the matter, boss? You missing the pussy that much? We can find you another. Can’t be easyfrom having that sweet little thing wrapped around you to nothing at night.”
My body goes rigid as I realize he’s now talking about Avelina.
And something in me snaps.
In a blur, I sprint across the room.
My hand slams into the guy’s chest, shoving him hard into the wall.
Plaster cracks.
“Calling my catTricky Vickymakes her sound like some sort of cheap hooker,” I roar. “You address her asQueen VictoriaorYour Majesty!Do you fucking understand? Or even better, don’t talk about any of them ever!” My voice is venomous. No one’s laughing anymore. “You don’t say Avelina’s name. You don’t say the cat’s name. Unless you want me to rip your fucking tongue out and feed it to the strays in the fucking neighborhood!”
The other soldier gulps. “We could, um, snatch the oversized rat back for you, boss.”
He’s fucking insulting Queenie now. I don’t think. I move.
My blade is in my hand. And in a flash, I ram the blade into the bastard’s thigh.
He howls, collapsing with blood gushing around the hilt.
“Try it,” I growl. “And I’ll make sure you never fucking walk again.”
Grigory storms in, eyes flashing as he takes in the scene. “For fuck’s sake, Vik!”
“He fucking disrespected Avelina.” I blow out a breath through my nostrils. “And Queenie.”
“He’s gonna need stitches. Let him go!” Grigory orders. “And pull it fucking together.”
Stepping back, I release the man before yanking the blade free. The man screams again, and I let him.
“I’m telling you,” the other one mutters, “he’s really losing it. He’s demanding we address his cat asYour Majesty.”
Grigory grabs my shoulder. “You want to spiral? Fine. Do it on your own fucking time. But don’t drag the rest of us into your meltdown.”
I shake him off. But I hate that he’s right.
Later, I make my way to the ops room for the urgent meeting Grigory has called for everyone.
The others are already here. Grigory looks at us all. “You’re all required to participate in sensitivity training. Effective immediately. Clear whatever plans you had for this evening.”
Everyone stares at him, me included.
Some groan.
“You’re joking,” Matvey says.
“I don’t joke about this shit.”
“Sensitivity about what exactly?” Nikolai chimes in.
“Animal sensitivity training,” Grigory announces in a terse tone.
The room erupts.
“You’re kidding!”
