December 20th

Leo's Point of view

Ella squealed and I took Cato from her arms as she moved her thirteen-hour postpartum self to the door as quickly as she could.

"Mom!" I heard a cry.

I came into the hall with Cato in my arms and watched as she threw myself into her arms and hugged her tightly.

"You're a Grandmother now," she said excitedly before going to hug her brother who stood at the door beside their mother.

"How is he?" Connor asked.

At that point, their attention all diverted to me....or rather what was in my arms. He was wide awake with his big blue eyes on full show and even a little smile.

"Oh my..." Mara began before trailing off.

I carefully handed her Cato and she held him close to her like nothing had ever been more precious.

"He reminds me of you when you were first born, Ella. Smiling and happy from day one. And he certainly has your eyes, Leonardo. Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you, Mom," Ella said. "I've missed you so much."

An hour later, the four of them were sat on the sofa- Ella between her brother and Mother with Cato in her arms. They hadn't stopped fussing over Cato since they got her, all completely unable to believe his very existance.

I'd left them to have a moment as a family as I went to make ravioli for dinner. Both Connor and Mara had accepted my offer to stay the night and there hadn't been a single hint of the usual hostility between myself and Ella's brother.

All was peaceful.

Well, that was until I got a text from Luciano.

I got the name. It read.

The three pulsing dots were still on the screen showing he was still typing something else.

Connor Jones.

I stood completely frozen.

Connor Jones.

The leader of a rogue rebellion creating havoc amongst the pack.

And I allowed him into my home to he was sit with my Luna and new born son.

"Leo, what's wrong?" Ella asked, looking over to me and noticing how I clutched my phone in one hand and gripped the kitchen counter with the other, "Leo?"

I finally snapped my eyes up to her.

"I've got to make a phone call," I said, refusing to drift my gaze to Connor.

There was an extreme level of anger inside me and just the sight of his face acting all innocent and naive might make me lurch at him.

And I can't do that. Not until I'm sure.

So I turned on my heel and marched out into the back yard, completely out of earshot to call Luciano.

"Connor Jones?" I asked the second he answered.

"That's what Achilles said...copy right hot novel pub