Chapter 1 - The Magnus Empire

The dreaded Alexei Magnus.

A powerful and imposing Wolf Alpha who has ruled his great empire by heavy hand since it was inherited from him. Counting at 38 years old, he has successfully positioned himself at the top of the blood pyramid of the Mafia, having bases around the world in countries such as the United States, Korea, Canada, England, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela, Japan, and Thailand. Thus earning countless enemies, but at the same time powerful allies who offer him their loyalty and economic covenants of dubious legality.

Having a turbulent start in the illegal realm at just 17 years old, he has forged his way with blood, sweat, and tears, learning to keep at bay the feelings that could endanger him and making use of his best abilities to always make it triumphant, going from a troubled teenager with no aspirations, to a cold, calculating adult, making decisions that no coward would dare in his position.

His mentor: Yurik Ivanov. An ordinary human, though rather fearsome and uncompromising, who at 57 years old gave importance to values such as honesty and sincerity, very careful in choosing with whom and how to do his business. Yurik took him under his protection when he had just arrived at 20 years old. He was the one who included Magnus and instructed him, taught him everything from the dirty foundations, tools with which he can defend himself without taking shit from anyone.

Without children, the man could not help but be fond of the rebellious and inexperienced young man and, despite his rough character, Alexei considered him the closest thing to a father he ever had.

—I hope the day comes when you don't need me behind you to keep you from screwing up, Magnus — the older one emphasized, lying comfortably in his chair behind the large desk right in the center of the office of his large mansion, giving large puffs to the cigar between his fingers.

—Be careful what you wish for, old man — Alexei remarked mockingly as he sat in front of him —. That day may come faster than you think.

—I thought I'd taught you enough to understand that in the kind of occupation we've decided to exercise, you have to be very careful with the way things are said. You say something like that to the wrong person and you'll end up with a bullet between your eyebrows — Yurik scolded him, calmly expelling the cigarette smoke through his nose.

—Not if it's my bullet that pierces their skulls first.

When Yurik died in an attack at the time he was on his private plane when Alexei was 26, the legacy was passed on to him, as were all the assets and consequently: the obligations. He did not accept it until he managed to take revenge on those who allegedly caused the death of his teacher, in one of the most cruel and violent ways imaginable. To the extent that even today it causes a bad image to his reputation.

Once he took the reins and the rumors of the renewed mandate traveled like pests through the shadows in the alleys, he moved to the large mansion that formerly belonged to Yurik, refusing to change anything because he wanted to keep the atmosphere as intact as possible in honor of his mentor.

Eventually, he formed an extremely reliable team to safeguard his safety, veteran experts in some specialty, so cruel and ruthless that they would not hesitate to deal with a target, even if they did a fine job begging for mercy.

Known as "The Gang from Hell," because of their bloodthirsty behavior when they were supposed to carry out Magnus' will. They were the most feared, the protagonists of the scary stories that school groups discussed in camps under the moonlight and bonfires consuming wooden rods, the demons that made the priests pray in the churches.

Magnus closest followers were his cousin, Yaakov. An elegant Wolf Alpha with dark skin and bold purple hair, his animal with brown fur and delicate scarlet and white lines around his body. He has a splendid profile when it comes to his animal side, but that does not reduce his ferocity and brutality when executing his victims.

He's Alexei's right-hand man. He helps him with administration and sometimes takes over for him on relevant excursions to work, but also signifies his biggest headache as he does not refrain from nagging at the slightest opportunity, especially if he is supported by his partner: Lev Serkin.

An extravagant Albino Peacock Omega, which never wastes a good convenience of leaving the complete beauty of its being exposed, with his bright black eyes, his smooth black strands and those pink lips. It's yet another annoyance for Magnus and the drooling on Yaakov, who every time that looks at him has fucking hearts replacing his irises.

Lev is skilled in the handling of stabbing weapons. With his agile hands he can cut the tip of a pencil from a vast distance using only a simple pocketknife. But he is also a skilled medic, a requirement of Magnus, to immediately treat any wound, injury or illness in himself or one of his subordinates.

Then there's Adrik, an extraordinary Owl Omega. He manages the recruitment and indoctrination of recruits but also takes care of reinforcing the intervention perimeter in all the transactions elaborated by the organization, besides having an excellent sense of sight, being skilled with the sniper rifle. His personality is quite grumpy, his appearance is neat but monotonous, always precisely groomed, with dark-colored outfits that highlight his pale complexion. He spends his days taking naps, using the excuse that he is a nocturnal creature.

He's the total contrast of his partner: Nikon. An intimidating Puma Alpha, his personality quite arrogant, energetic and somewhat absent-minded. He assumes the task of keeping the operational team in optimal condition, he has also shown Magnus to be an excellent chief of command, despite the many doubts he may have had, so he has assigned him to send and receive the merchandise, as well as to make the corresponding bribes so that they can be exported without any inconvenience with the law.

And finally, there's Fredek, an adorable little (but don't tell him that or you'll suffer his relentless fury) Fox Omega. He's mostly quiet, withdrawn, always trying to stay out of The Gang's meetings. With beautiful tan skin, keen and judgmental eyes, hair dyed with a vibrant maroon pigment, he is an explosives specialist, with the knowledge to create everything from tiny detonating devices to huge and complex bombs.

On more than one occasion, the criminal leader has taken advantage of his tremendous talent, one of them in the vendetta that followed Yurik's death. Magnus feels a unique desire to protect him, always looking out for his well-being, supporting all his needs... And also because Fredek's last name is Magnus, as he is his younger brother.

Born from another mother, Alexei couldn't help but feel responsible for the child, so he took him with himself when he ran away from home at 17, Fredek being just 12. Since then things have changed dramatically for both of them, being swept away by a tide that constantly shakes their emotions, tests the bond that unites them but at the same time leaves them exposed to threats against their lives, both from humans and aggressive shapeshifters, thirsty for power.

But... None of them were prepared for what the future would hold.