Leo returned home late in the evening. The kids were in bed and it was just Max and I downstairs.

I got up straight away to see him, the anticipation killing me. But as soon as I came into the hall and set my eyes on him as he stood by the door taking off his shoes, I knew the result of the mission in Seattle. I didn't even need him to gravely look up and shake his head.

I sighed and my heart sunk as he came and hugged me.

"I'm sorry," he said. "We were so close."

"At least he didn't get you," I said, trying to stay positive. "So long as you are alive, I will be okay."

He smiled and kissed my head before looking up to Max.

"There's an emergency meeting lead by Blair in the base tonight for all senior members of the pack," Leo said. "I won't be attending as I need to spend the evening with my mate but Blair has my orders."

Max nodded and left as Leo continued to hold me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Are you really okay?"

I shook my head.

"No," I replied.

He put his fingers under my chin and lifted my head so I was looking him in the eye.

"You look exhausted," he said.

"I've been worrying about you all day," I replied. "I know we want Andrea dead but not if it costs you your life."

"This isn't something we can just abandon, Ella. It will not end until one of us wins. Until one of us dies," he said. "I have to work to ensure that it is not me."

I nodded, "I know," I said bringing my hand to his cheek, "But it terrifies me. I hate it when you go away."

He sighed and hugged me tightly again.

"I'm here right now. Let's make the most of it, okay?" he said. "And let's try to forget about it just of the evening."

I nodded.

Leo's Pov

An hour later, we were lying on the sofa watching Brooklyn 99 on the sofa. I had Ella in my arms with her head on my rested on my chest and every time she let out a little giggle at the programme, I felt the muscles in her face move, which made me smile too.

I was hardly even watching it. Instead, I took to playing with the silky strands of her hair and just enjoying the comfort of having her safe and relatively happy in my arms.copy right hot novel pub