جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 320

June 20thElla’s point of viewWhen we got to the station, I marched straight to the woman at the front desk.“Hi, I’m here to collect my son. His name is-”“Cato Loren, yes I know ma’am. You were here last week. But I’m afraid it won’t be as easy this time.”“What do you mean?”“The sheriff will explain. If you could take a seat, he’ll be there soon,” she said, gesturing to the uncomfortable plastic seats in the hall.I sat for five minutes with Ana on my knee and Madeleine by my side before the sheriff came out.“You must be Ella Loren. This way.”“Best behaviour, okay girls?” I whispered to my daughters as we followed him.“You should leave the little ones with my colleague,” he said with a grave look on his face.I eyed the colleague. She ha

June 23rdLeo’s point of viewThat Saturday, I dragged Cato out of bed bright and early.“Do I have to go?” he groaned as he ate breakfast.“Yes,” Ella and I both said.We had grounded Cato all week, but the thought of him moping around this house bored and frustrated all day filled Ella with dread. But I happened to have a disaster of a filing cabinet at the base needing serious organisation.“Why?” he asked, “It’s Saturday.”“Because breaking news, you’re the future Alpha of this pack, and as your father, I will not let you fuck up and get away with it,” I snapped, “It’s time you step in line, Cato.”“You don’t need to curse, Leo,” Ella said, “If we stay calm and work together, I’m sure we’ll get through this.”She ruffled Cato’s hai

June 23rdElla’s point of viewAn hour later, Stefano was on a stool at the counter kneading the dough. I stood behind him, guiding his hands and guarding the stool from Maddy and Zac running around like maniacs.“That’s it,” I said, “A little harder.”He put his entire body weight into kneading, contorting his little face with the effort.“That’s it, perfect.” The doorbell rang, so I kissed Zac’s cheek and wiped my floury hands on the towel.“Keep doing that, I’ll be back in a moment. Maddy and Zac, keep well away from Stef.”I opened the door to Luca and Amaani. Beside them was an enormous suitcase and in Luca’s arms their baby, Theodore. He was only a year old but had Amaani’s beautiful hair and a smile that could kill.Luca bundled Theodore into my arms.“Um, hello?”“We’re

June 25thElla’s point of viewI sat in the passenger’s seat of the car. Leo drove with his fists tight on the steering wheel and a steely expression.“Still sure he’s a good kid?” I asked.Ten minutes ago, we’d had a call from the high school, requesting we both come in to speak with the principal about Cato immediately. They didn’t give us any details, but by the tone of the receptionist’s voice, he was in serious trouble.“Ask me in half an hour when we know what he’s done,” Leo said, “I’m clinging to hope there’s a good explanation.”When we arrived at the school, we headed straight for the principal’s office. Outside in the hallway, Haden sat with his arms folded across his chest. He didn’t bother smiling at us. Not out of character, but he rarely bothered scowling for Leo’s benefit either.“Haden?” L

June 26thElla’s point of viewIt was 4 pm the next evening when the doorbell rang over Theodore’s ear-piercing cries. I’d been trying to settle him for ten minutes, but I couldn’t find his teddy carrying Amaani’s scent, and without it, my attempts were useless. I dug my hand down the back of the sofa, searching for the damn thing as Zac and Stef bounced around me. I’d given up persuading them to do their math homework. With Theodore screaming, I couldn’t expect anyone to focus, let alone two hyper kids.“Zac and Stef,” Mathias said as I finally retrieved the manky teddy, “Sit down, do your damn math homework and give Mom a break or I’ll never let you play on my Xbox again, got it?”They both immediately stopped jumping on the sofa to sit down at the table.“Thank you,” I mouthed to Mathias as I rushed to answer the door.Theodore was still in my a