December 27th
Ella's POV
Leo left again soon after, leaving me standing alone in the hallway, not quite sure what to make of it all.
"Is that not the reaction you were expecting?" Hestia asked, coming from the living room.
I shook my head, "I was ready for an argument. But he had remorse. I don't think I've ever seen him show remorse."
And it's not often he admits a mistake and actually does something to make up for his wrongdoings either... I didn't even have to tell him to...or find a way to make him. And he's doing it because it's the right thing to do...not just because of me."
Hestia smiled, "People change, Ella."
"He still did what he did to you and your family," I said.
She nodded with a sad smile, "Yes but everybody makes mistakes. It's what they do to make up for it that's important."
Hours later the front door finally opened again.
Hestia and I hurried into the hall to see Leo walk through the door with three kids. One sat on his hip and the other two tightly holding onto his spare hand.
"Mommy!"
Hestia sank to her knees as the two older ones ran towards her and embraced her tightly. Leo then put the other one on the floor and he walked as quickly as his little legs could carry him.
"My babies," Hestia sobbed. "How did you get them?"
"It took some persuading but the nice lady at social services eventually gave in for a nice big cheque," Leo explained.
"Thank you, Leonardo," she said before kissing and hugging her children again.
Leo's eyes then shifted to me for a brief second before he walked into the kitchen.
"Tomorrow I'll have someone drive you home. But for now, I will make dinner and then organise the spare rooms for you and your children," Leo said.
"Oh no, don't worry," she replied, "I can just call a taxi."
"Hestia, you're exhausted and hungry. So are your children," he said, "Please accept the offer. It's the least I can do."
She then gave a small smile, "Okay."
The next morning the house was alive with the laughs and giggles of Hestia's children. Last night, she'd had the difficult conversation about their father with them. They were too young to understand but Hestia was sure she'd never shield the truth from them or let the memory of their Dad fade away.
Unexpectedly, Luca showed up in the later morning.
"Luna, Alpha, I'm so sorry," he said walking straight into the house, "I completely forgot to wish my Godson happy one week on earth yesterday."
He soon appeared in the living room and immediately noticed Hestia and the kids.
"Ever heard of knocking, Luca?" Leo asked but Luca didn't respond. He was too busy gazing at Hestia with his mouth slightly ajar.
"Earth to Luca?" Leo said. Still no response. "Luca!"
"Hmmm what? Did you say something, Alpha?" he said finally snapping out of whatever trance he had entered.
"Cato still isn't your Godson," Leo pointed out.
"Who is that woman?" he asked, watching as Hestia sat zipping the coat of one of her children up.
"Her names Hestia," I said, "She was just about to head home."
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