AZURA
Last night Leo didn’t sleep well, tossing and turning or simply lying awake. When he did sleep, his dreams were full of bloodshed, drugs, guns, screams, and dead bodies. Every time he got up, I didn’t mention that I was getting them, too, carefully keeping my walls up and keeping him close.
When the first rays of the morning light creep through the crack in the curtain, Leo sits up, running a hand through his hair and exhaling sharply. I place a hand on his back, slowly sitting up.
"What’s wrong, Blue-Eyes?" I ask. "You haven’t slept well all night." He turns to me, tangling his hand into my hair and kissing my jaw.
"And I fucking ruined your sleep, too."
"Far from it. Want to talk about it?" I ask softly, getting on my knees and wrapping my arms around him from behind. My heart skips a beat, and for a moment, it feels surreal, knowing that this man is mine. All mine. I tighten my arms around his shoulders and kiss his neck softly. "It might make you feel lighter, and if you need me to make any voodoo dolls, I'm all for it. I think I can find an actual witch dark enough to spell them," I add lightly. He smirks, glancing at me, but remains silent as I place soft kisses along his bare shoulder and neck, waiting for him to start. I know he is pondering over whether or not to say something. He takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly before he begins.
"I created the Heimtückische Wölfe Cartel when we had nothing. Back then, the only money we had was shares given by the Rossi Empire. I always feared that someday they would be gone… Dad didn’t have the luxury of education or any experience with the real world. Everything was run by Rafael… and then, when he died, it went on to Rayhan…" He leans his head against me, looking towards the faint light through the crack in the curtains. "After what happened, I was just so sure that someday we’d be left with nothing, that it would all just be taken from us, and so I did my best. In the beginning, I only knew how to read a little. Back in the caverns, some of us kids were sometimes taught by Mom or one of the other adults, but it was limited since there were no resources. Mom did her best, though. Her life changed drastically after she found Dad, and it started taking a toll on her. Unlike us, she wasn’t born a Rogue… Endora never liked her and only kept her around for Dad… that was until she learned how to break the bond." My heart clenches, thinking he has been through so much…
"Anyway, it was what pushed me to study harder, become smarter, and play wiser. So, I started off with games such as chess, cards, and pool, staking a cash prize if I won until it came to the point that everyone knew I’d win. Then, I moved on to racing and fighting illegal underground matches, but it wasn’t enough. There was just too much we needed to do, and I didn’t want to be indebted to anyone. Spending my time in the human cities, I realised that poverty existed there, too…" He reaches over, taking me by my arm, tugging me in front of him, and wrapping his strong arms around me as he cradles me in his lap before continuing, "Have you seen the state of the care homes, the orphanages? It fucking made me sick how so many vulnerable children were fucking abused in so-called foster homes. Yeah, not all are like that, but there are still far more than there should be. The government and the care homes just aren’t equipped enough financially to keep children there long enough, and instead are forced to place them with foster carers even when the situations aren’t the best." He looks down into my eyes, and I can see the raw emotions in his.
"In every city… I saw the Sangue Pack in them. Those orphans are the Rogues of the human world, and I realised my work was far bigger than I thought. I had a pack to take care of - larger than what was just within these premises. I needed to do more."
Leo is far more complex than I could ever imagine. Every time, he simply impresses me a little more with his heart made of something far more priceless than gold. He is the rarest of jewels or something, without me sounding mushy!
"That’s when I first gathered a few of the boys; the Six, to be precise, and Emmet. I began planning... developing, and soon I was gaining power fast." He sighs heavily, planting a kiss on my forehead before he carries on, "I was getting richer, and I was able to provide support for many. From simply providing, I set the goal higher. I didn’t want them to just get by, I wanted to see them thrive. For every Rayhan Rossi born with a silver spoon in his fucking mouth, I wanted to show the world that ten Leo Rossis were born and would prove to the world that they deserved a chance, too."
The pain and the determination in his voice make me far more emotional than I am used to. Damn these pregnancy hormones… but who am I kidding? Leo has a heart of gold, and although the path he chose wasn’t the best, his intentions were good.
"I began branching out to businesses, clubs, shares. I was growing faster than anyone else had from the shadows. I'm the youngest cartel boss around, and I hold the most power, but with that shit came the clear reality that this world is as dark as it is beneficial. So, I began enforcing laws and rules because there is scum who targets the vulnerable, and I realised if I truly wanted to protect them all, my eyes in the underworld must always be on alert. Drugs and weapons… it brought in the money that we needed, and I’ve secured every child in this pack with a future, enough money to buy a home, invest in studies, or open a business if they want. I’ve funded orphanages and care homes as a secret benefactor, making it easier for them to cope." He shakes his head. "That was it. I felt like I had done what I could. I had found out I was dying, and it all should have been fucking wrapped up. This shipment was meant to be my last… but, nah, life had other shit planned. This was meant to be the final deal, and then I was done with that shit. Trying to fucking do right, I fucking messed up... again."
"You didn’t mess up. Emmet the bastard did." I frown. "Your reasoning, your mentality, and your heart were all in the right place. You are incredible, Leo. Heck, I know people will be like, oh, he deals drugs, he’s a horrible person, but we all know there are so many men in suits pretending to care for this country when, really, it's just a game of power and corruption. Don’t blame yourself for this. Talk to him today. Oh, wait! Can I come with? I’ll bring a staple gun?" He cocks an eyebrow, and my heart flutters when he chuckles lightly.
"I think that’s not a bad idea, as long as you don’t plan to use it on me."
"Absolutely not. Unless you piss me off," I reply, yanking his head down and kissing him hard.
"I’ll keep that in mind," he murmurs as he holds me tightly, his hands caressing my back. He deepens the kiss before lying back down and pulling the duvet over us both. I bite my lip before I slowly flick my tongue over his nipple, smirking when I feel his hard cock throb. "As much as I want to fuck you, I know I kept you up all night… so sleep, but don’t fucking think I’ve forgotten the reward you promised me for taking you with me last night." I smirk running my tongue over his nipple again.
"Oh, don’t worry, it’s going to be good…" I wink at him suggestively, and he squeezes my ass, kissing my lips roughly. Before things go further, he forces himself back, making me displeased.
"I appreciate you listening," he says quietly, running his fingers through my hair.
"Anytime… but just a thought, have you ever considered going into things like pharmaceuticals for the supernatural? I mean, those injections you gave me saved our baby. Kiara can’t be everywhere, and I will be able to heal only twelve times a year for a very short amount of time.” That’s the conclusion that Leo and I came to after thinking over and discussing the clue Dante had given us.
“I know,” Leo replies.
“Those injections are impressive, and I'm sure all packs will want to get their hands on them…" I suggest, trying not to focus on that cock that is begging for some attention, which I really want to give it. Blowjobs were never something that I was keen on, but that is an entirely different situation with Leo. I just can’t get enough.
"Hmm." Leo frowns slightly, but I know he is taking it in.
"I guess you didn’t consider that, not wanting to work with any pack, right?" I whisper softly. He nods.
"Pretty much… I guess that is something that I could look into… those who can’t afford it -" Leaning up, I press my lips to his.
"Stop playing Robin Hood. These packs can afford it. Also, with your smart-ass brain, it's time to roll out your web browser and internet. Not to mention the security company that can also become an entire tech company."
"Do you actually think people will buy from someone like me?" He believes that. He really does. He needs to realise he is so damn incredible.
"Oh, absolutely…" I murmur, pushing him onto his back and climbing on top of him. "I mean… I’d pay plenty to fuck you." He chuckles but doesn’t fight me as I begin placing kisses down his chest.
"Do I look like a fucking hooker to you?" His hand tangles in my hair, tightening as I go lower.
"You can be my hooker," I tease back, biting my lip when my breasts brush his cock as I place slow kisses down his abs. I reach the band of his sweatpants, slowly pulling them down and letting his cock out. Oh, fuck, he is so fucking hot and perfect. A soft moan leaves my lips as I wrap my hand around his cock, making him groan.
"Fuck," he swears.
I am just about to lick that delicious mega-size popsicle, my pussy clenching, when there is suddenly a loud banging on the door. It is a not-so-powerful but still clear knock of panic.
"Mommy! Daddy! There’s an emergency! Daddy!" Corrado’s panicked voice calls, sending a rush of worry through me.
I jerk back as Leo sits up and quickly gets out of bed, yanking his pants up. He rushes to the door, pulling it open. My heart thuds as I climb out of bed, wondering what had happened as Corrado runs in. His eyes are wide with terror, his pyjama top a little tight on his belly as he climbs onto the bed, clapping both hands on his cheeks as he stares at us both with an expression of clear horror on his face. Leo smoothly sits down, placing a pillow in his lap.
"What’s wrong, my little cherub?" I ask, crossing my legs and pulling him into my lap. He shakes his head, his little heart pounding.
"I woke up and had a bad thought!"
"A nightmare?" Leo asks.
"Oh no, Daddy, I was awake, and I remembered that Lucy from school kissed me yesterday! What if we made a baby? I don’t want to be a daddy!" His eyes are wide with terror as he stares at us both. Leo’s eyebrows shoot up, and I can’t help but cackle.
"Oh my goddess, you are so cute!"
"Mommy! This isn’t funny! I want to be a big brother, not a Daddy, and I don’t want to live with Lucy!"
"Then don’t go around kissing girls." Leo frowns. "That’s what happens when you don’t act your age."
"Oh, don’t be mean to him," I snicker; Corrado crosses his arms, clearly not happy with either of us.
"This is an emergency!" He declares.
"Look, kiddo, remember there has to be a certain time of the moon cycle too? It wasn’t yesterday, so you’re all safe! But no going around and kissing people yet. You’re still too little." I squeeze this bundle of adorableness, feeling all fuzzy and warm. Gosh, I love this kid.
"Oh… so I won’t be a Daddy. Thank the goddess," he says, heaving a big sigh and shaking his head slowly. "Stupid Lucy."
"You don’t kiss girls and then call them stupid," Leo adds.
Sounds like someone I know, I say through the link earning myself a look. Corrado slumps back against my chest.
"Oh, I was so scared. I promise next time she tries to kiss me, I will not let her."
"Sounds like a plan." I smile down at him and give him a soft kiss on his juicy little cheek just as the little one inside of me kicks.
Leo leans back, watching us, a soft smile on his face. Our eyes meet as the sun begins shining through, casting a warm glow across his face. Did I ever say how beautiful he looks when he smiles like that? He is my angel, just as I am his devil.
-----
A while later, we are all dressed and ready to head down. We didn’t get to finish what we started since Corrado wanted Leo to get him dressed today. Both father and son have already gone down, and I am just about to rush back to grab my phone when I see Winona step out of Corrado’s room.
"Hey, Winona, when did you get back last night?" I ask with a smile, thinking it isn’t like her to leave without telling anyone. She looks up at me, forcing a smile, but I can see she has been crying. Instantly, my smile vanishes, and I walk over to her. "Hey, is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I just have a cold. I am so sorry for just leaving like that yesterday," she says guiltily. "I promise it won't ever happen again. I love Corrado, I will never be so negligent again."
"It’s okay, girl. Are you sure you’re okay?" I ask. I’m not really convinced, and there is something off. She isn’t relaxed or happy like normal. She nods, and I don’t push it. Strange.
"I'm fine, thank you."
"Okay. Shall we head down to breakfast?" She tenses and shakes her head.
"No, thank you, I want to rest a little. I had… tea already.
"Winnie… are you sure you’re okay?"
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She nods before excusing herself and returning to her room. I turn, slowly heading to my bedroom to get my phone. That was odd… she doesn’t always eat with us, but she is often in the kitchen or around. Hmm, I’ll ask Leo about it.
I grab my phone, answering some texts from Mama, Kia, Raven, and my girls. Damn, everyone has so many questions about the Luna ceremony, and I still can’t get my head around it! The biggest question is, what am I even going to wear? Damn, I have no idea. Replying to Liam’s messages, I smile, thinking he always sends messages reminding me to take care of myself. I have one from Atlas too, and I reply as I enter the kitchen and take a seat.
"Morning, Azura," Marcel says with a smile. "Hope you slept well."
"I did, thanks," I reply, picking up my fork. Leo leans over, kissing me softly.
I'm telling Marcel after breakfast. I need him to talk to Emmet today, he says through the link. I nod slowly. Yeah, it is time Emmet the dickface is dealt with.
Breakfast passes quieter than normal aside from Corrado’s chatter. I guess it is the weight of everything going on. When we have finished eating, Winona enters.
"If you aren’t feeling great, we could get someone to take Corrado," I offer, making the men look up.
"What’s wrong?" Leo asks sharply.
"Oh no, I'm fine, I’ll take him," she says, giving a small smile. Okay, something is really off… She washes Corrado’s face before waiting patiently as he gives us all a hug and kiss.
"Goodbye, Mommy, goodbye, Daddy, goodbye, Grandad! I will come back soon!" He waves before taking Winona’s hand. "Come on, Winnie, let’s go. I need to tell Lucy no kissing…"
I smile as his voice fades away, and I glance back at the table. Marcel is frowning, mixing his coffee distractedly while Leo is looking toward the door calculatingly before he turns to Marcel, his face becoming serious and cold. When he speaks, his voice means business.
"There’s something I need to tell you."