Alpha Loren novel Chapter 94

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...eventually," Luciano said. "Your Luna's brother, huh?" he added delightedly.

I could just imagine his eyes lighting up.

"Yes and he's in my house with my son right now," I hissed.

Luciano gasped in a theatrical way, "How exciting."

"Are you absolutely sure?" I asked. 

"I have no reason not to believe Achilles."

I sighed.

"So what you gonna do?" Luciano asked eagerly. "Kill him on the spot in front of his family? Torture him where your mate can hear his screams-"

I hung up and marched back inside.

I finally let my eyes fall to Connor. He looked up at me and swallowed. My face must have been cold as stone and as I began marching towards him, he got to his feet and stumbled back.

"Leo?" Ella asked.

But I ignored her, more focused on grabbing Connor by the throat and pinning him to the wall.

"Leo!" Ella screamed before hastily passing Cato to her Mom and standing up too.

I glared into Connor's eyes and he glared right back. 

"You," I growled as Ella tugged on my shirt, "You are responsible for the rogue attacks on my pack. For the murders, the fires, the rape, the fear."

I could practically sense Ella's stomach sink as her grip on my arm loosened and she just stared in dismay at her brother.

"Connor," she whispered.

He was beginning to struggle for air.

"Just as I was beginning to like you," I hissed.