11

The newcomer is another member of the unit. He looks a few years older than me, is built like a wall, and has angular yet weirdly welcoming features. “You.” Viktor points at him. “Stay out of it, Maksim.” “No can do. You’re bullying the poor man.” Maksim grabs me by the shoulder and basically drags me out back. I don’t resist, not even when I feel the murderous energy radiating from Viktor. “Are you sure that was a good idea?” I whisper as we go outside. Instantly, my nose starts running and needles of cold penetrate my skin. I’d rather stay in the semblance of warmth inside, but I doubt Maksim would hear that request. He seems like the type who sweeps you off your feet for some sort of adventure. “Never mind! You don’t know this, but Viktor is like a mountain you occasionally have to climb or simply jump over so that he stops being a pain in the ass, especially when we have an excuse such as a day off… Jesus, you feel so small, newbie.” I go rigid, but then I force myself to relax aga