Alpha Loren novel Chapter 100

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."

"She's human," Luca said, "And she's absolutely gorgeous."

"Is she your mate?" Leo asked.

"No but-" he began.

"Then it's time for you to go," Leo said putting his hand on Luca's shoulder.

"Wait, no. Do you need a ride home?" Luca asked Hestia.

She looked at me and shrugged.

Hestia looked to Leo, who sighed.

"Can I, Alpha?" Luca asked putting his best puppy eyes on.

"You know that puppy eyes don't work on me, Luca."

"That's because you don't have a heart," he replied and Leo gave him a typically Leo sarcastic smile.

"Is that a yes?" 

"I guess I've done that drive enough times already this week. But I warn you, Hestia. He drives like he passed his test last week."

She looked at me her eyes slightly widened.

"Your life might flash before your eyes a few times but you get used to it," I added.

"Reassuring," she said. "Are you ready to go, children?" she then asked her kids.

"Luca be a gentleman and take this," Leo said taking the heavy bag of groceries we'd packed for Hestia out of her hand and thrusting it towards Luca.

Hestia then turned back to me, after picking up the youngest of her three children and taking the hand of another, "Thank you for all you kindness, Ella."

She then took a deep breath and turned to Leo, "And you, Leonardo," she added.

Leo gave her a guilty smile, "I don't think I ever properly apologised," he said, "I am truly sorry for everything I did and everything I let happen to you. You have my number if you need anything just shout. I'm more than happy to help."

Hestia nodded.

I couldn't help but smile and slip my arm into Leo's, resting my head on his arm as we watched Luca, Hestia and the children leave.

"I'm proud of you," I said once the door was shut.

"You are?" he asked through gritted teeth.

I nodded.

"You did a terrible thing but I can see you learnt from it. What's more, you did everything you could to make up for it," I replied, "You wouldn't have done that weeks ago."

He wrapped his arm around me, "I wouldn't have done it without you to teach me how to be good. Everything I've learnt is because of you."

I grinned.

That's all I'd ever wanted to hear.

That's all I'd wanted to do since the very day we met.

I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him on the lips.

"I love you," I said.

"I love you too."