14. Leonardo #3
I nodded, and when I started for the door to leave the closet, Sandro stopped me by grabbing my wrist. I smiled as he pulled me into his arms. “I didn’t get to welcome you home last evening. You were exhausted. I’m doing so now though. Welcome, Leonardo. I hope you are happy here.”
My smile widened. “I’m sure it’s going to be an experience.” Of that, I had no doubt. I had nothing against the family and what they represented. In fact, I knew that Sandro’s family was going to be nothing but beneficial for me when it came to dealing with Alpha Franco.
Sandro kissed my forehead again, and after he smiled down at me, he led me from the closet.
We walked through the bedroom and then to the outer room.
It was a smaller room that had a sofa and a television, and in the corner was a small space that had a table and a little kitchenette area.
There was no stove, but there was a sink, a small refrigerator, and a coffee machine. I grinned at that.
I followed as we left the room, and once outside in the hallway, the energy of the house seemed to shift dramatically. The energy in Sandro’s room had been calm. Out here, it wasn’t chaotic, but it was definitely more energized.
We walked hand in hand down the hallway, and it led us to what looked like the main foyer. There were stairs to the right, and beside them was another hallway. “What’s down there?”
“Master Vincent’s and Marcello’s offices,” Sandro said. “The other doors in our hallway belonged to both my office that I share with Rio, as well as his suite.”
“So he’s down here as well?”
“Yes,” Sandro told me.
I’d not really thought about the logistics of where everyone’s rooms were, but I guess it made sense.
“As if you can’t hear everyone, the dining room is just over there.”
I nodded. I had heard everyone talking, and they sounded like they were having a lot of fun. That wasn’t something that I was used to. Meals at the pride house were quiet. In fact, most places in the pride house were quiet.
Sandro stopped just outside the room and looked down at me. “Are you certain you’re up for this?” I grinned and nodded. “All right. We might get a bit overwhelmed at first, but I’ll make sure you get your tea quickly.”
“Thanks. That might be best, or I’ll be running for another bathroom.”
Sandro turned and pointed. “That door there that is partially open. It’s the closest one.”
I squeezed my mate’s hand. That was good to know.
I’d hopefully made it all the way through the meal without getting sick, but there was only one way to find out.
When I gave Sandro another nod, he quickly leaned down and kissed me.
I wasn’t expecting that, but I wasn’t ever going to complain.
With a gentle tug, he pulled me into the dining room.
The table was full, and honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what would happen, but I didn’t expect the room to go suddenly quiet, and then there was a loud squeak sound before a familiar blond came running toward us.
“You’re back!” Abel said as he ran up to us.
He didn’t stop there though. He immediately wrapped his arms around me and gave me a welcoming hug.
“Are you here to stay, or are you here for just a visit?” He didn’t give me a chance to answer though.
Instead, he continued on with more questions.
“Please say you’re here to stay. I need another shifter to talk to. ”
Sandro chuckled at that. “We’re here to stay, Abel. And you can ask Leo all the questions you want, but he is in desperate need of some special tea and crackers first.”
I smiled up at Sandro. He was such a hero in the moment. My stomach was already not feeling the best, and when you added in the nerves of meeting most everyone for the first time, it was even more questionable.
“Sandro, it’s good to have you back home,” a man who could only be Master Vincent said.
He just screamed of authority, and he was absolutely not who I expected to meet when Sandro mentioned his coven master.
I’d seen memories of him, but in them, they never really gave away just how commanding or honestly gorgeous the man was.
“And you, Leonardo. It’s a pleasure to meet you. ”
I smiled up at Master Vincent.
“Master Vincent, I’d like to formally introduce you to my beloved, Leonardo. He prefers Leo though,” Sandro told him.
I held out my hand to accept Master Vincent’s. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
“Welcome to the family. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to speak up.” Master Vincent gestured to the table. “As you can see, we’re a lively bunch, but we can be serious as well. Please join us. It looks as if Rio has the tea you need.”
I turned and saw Rio standing there with a smile.
In that moment, that cup of tea was the most amazing thing in the world to me.
My nerves were getting the better of me, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to make it through a meal without running to the bathroom.
I really hoped that what I truly needed was tea and something to eat, as Sandro had suggested, because the thought of having to deal with this for months yet wasn’t my idea of fun.
“Grazie,” I whispered. Rio grinned.
“Prego.”