Page 136 of XOXO

Leo’s features contorted into a playful grimace before he rushed to the doorway and scooped up his son. Balancing him on his hip, he waved goodbye to Sadie and headed home to his family.

Chapter 2

Adelyn, daughter of Latimus and Lila, flitted around the kitchen as her children finished their dinner at the nearby table. It had been constructed by her bonded mate, along with most of the other furniture in their home…and the home itself. Leo was a talented craftsman and contractor, and the construction business he owned with Brecken was thriving.

Frowning, Addie slowly scooped the remaining chili she’d made for dinner into a container. Since the business was doing so well, there was no financial need for Leo to join the army. No, he just wanted to do that out of genuine honor.

It was extremely noble…and quite terrifying. Being the daughter of the greatest war commander in the kingdom had taught her that upholding one’s principles could also get them killed. Every time her mother had put on a brave face and sent Latimus off to battle, Adelyn had stayed behind to see the fallout. Lila would pace and worry until Latimus eventually returned—and thank the goddess he’d always returned safely.

Many in their kingdom weren’t so lucky.

Glancing at her children, Adelyn smiled at the tiny creatures who were a perfect amalgamation of her and Leo. They both had their parents’ thick brown hair, while Briala had Adelyn’s lavender eyes and Kellan had inherited Leo’s deep blue orbs. They were her perfect innocent babies, and she wanted their family to remain in their little bubble free from war.

“Hey!” Kellan yelled, flinging a blob of chili over the table to land on his sister’s cheek. “Stop kicking me under the table!”

Okay, maybe they weren’t perfect children, she thought with an inward groan, but they were hers and Leo’s and she loved them dearly.

“Excuse me, young man,” she scolded, striding toward the table with the spoon in her hand. “Am I going to have to ground you for throwing food at your sister?”

“She kicked me!” he yelled, pointing at Briala.

“Did not!”

“Okay,” Adelyn said, showing her palm. “I think dinner’s over. No cookies tonight. You had enough sugar from the huge lollipop Sadie gave you earlier, and I know you snuck a lollipop to your sister too.”

Kellan bit his lip as he glanced at Briala. She just flashed a knowing grin, and Adelyn knew the fight was over just as quickly as it had begun. Such was the way for her spirited children. One moment, they were in the throes of a heated argument, and the next, they were best friends.

Unable to control her smile, Adelyn decided that was fitting for her and Leo’s offspring. After all, they’d sparred incessantly when they first met. Adelyn had shown up on his doorstep during a raging storm, and her grumpy mate had offered her shelter. Their attraction had been instantaneous—and their connection had been undeniable. Adelyn loved Leo with a voracity she treasured, which was why she didn’t want Leo to join the army.

They’d just begun their lives together, and she selfishly wanted more.

That inner desire to clutch onto what she held dear had manifested into a rather heated argument a few days ago. Leo had informed her he wanted to join the reserves and that he planned on entering the next boot camp her brother Jack was holding in a few weeks.

“No,” Addie said as she prepped for bed while they spoke. “I don’t want my bonded in the army. I already live through enough fear around Dad and Jack.”

“Sweetheart,” Leo said, his voice calm as he tried to soothe her. “You brought me into this world and now I have something to fight for.” He gestured toward the kids’ rooms. “It’s my duty to protect our family.”

“You do a fine job of that already,” she said, lifting her chin in the haughty way she couldn’t control when her temper flared. “And you already have a job.”

“It wouldn’t be for the money, Addie,” he said, sliding an arm around her waist as they stood by the bed. “I want to contribute to the kingdom. I want to be worthy of you and what we created here.”

Her heart cracked at his sincerity as she palmed his cheek. “No. I won’t ever agree to it. I don’t want to lose you, Leo. We need you.”

Anger clouded his features before he drew away. “I’m not asking your permission, Addie. I’m doing this and I’d like your support.”

Her cheeks heated as she bristled. “And if I don’t support this decision?”

“Then I guess we’re at an impasse.”

Fury ticked up her spine as she balled her fists at her sides. “Leo—”

“No,” he interjected, holding up a hand. “I don’t want to argue, and you’re not listening, so there’s no point in discussing this.” Snatching the pillow from the bed, he stuffed it under his arm. “Take some time to figure out if you really want to fight me on this.” Pivoting, he strode toward the door.

Adelyn picked up the remaining pillow and threw it at his head. Cursing, Leo turned back and jabbed his finger at her. “I’m sleeping on the couch so I don’t say something I’ll regret. When you let go of the stubborn witch routine and want to listen, I’ll be back.”

“You son of a bitch!” she hissed. “Don’t call me names—”

“You’re lucky I’m holding back my temper. There are a lot of things I want to call you right now since you’re really pissing me off.” With a final nod, he exited the room, closing the door behind him.

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