Page 44 of Lured By the Cartel

"They already are," I corrected him. "Alessandro managed to hack our security system last week."

"I know," he smirked. "Who do you think taught him how?"

I stared at my mate in mock outrage. "You're corrupting our children."

"I'm preparing them," he countered. "Just like you prepare them by teaching them to shoot and fight. Different methods, same goal."

He was right again. Together, we were giving our sons what I never had—a complete education in both the violent and subtle arts of our world. They were learning when to fight and when to negotiate, when to show strength, and when to appear weak.

"I love you," I said without giving him a warning, overwhelmed by how perfect he was for this life, for me, for our family. "Even if you are teaching our children to be devious."

"I love you too," his kiss fell soft as snow. "Even if you are teaching them to solve everything with growling and gunfire."

A crash from outside, followed by twin voices arguing about whose fault it was, broke our moment.

"Your sons," we said at the same time, then laughed.

"I'll handle it," Lucas rose like flowing water. "You have that call with the Chinese families in ten minutes anyway."

I watched him walk away, still amazed after all these years by how completely he'd adapted to our world. The college student who'd once been intimidated by my presence had become a force to be reckoned with, respected and feared in his own right.

Our sons were growing up with the best of both worlds—my power and Lucas's cunning, my experience and hisinnovation. They would be ready for whatever challenges came their way, protected by both their fathers' love and their fathers' reputations.

The age gap between Lucas and me, once such a concern, had become one of our greatest strengths. My decades of experience combined with his fresh perspective had created something unique in our world—a family that was both traditional and revolutionary, powerful and adaptable.

As I prepared for my call, I could hear Lucas outside, smoothly resolving whatever crisis the twins had caused. His voice carried that perfect blend of authority and affection that made him such an excellent father and leader.

Yes, I thought proudly, our sons would be more than ready for this life. They had the best of both their fathers in them, and God help anyone who tried to stand in their way.

After all, they were Rossis—educated by an omega who'd learned to turn prejudice into power, and an alpha who'd learned that true strength sometimes meant stepping back and letting others shine. They would make their own way in this world, protected by both their parents' love and their parents' power.

And I couldn't wait to see what they would become.

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