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Sighing, she turns her attention back to Leo. When the nurse comes in to check his vitals, she watches her closely, looking for any expression that could give her some answers. But without a word, the nurse finishes up and leaves the room.
“Do you remember the day he took his first steps?” she asks quietly.
I think back and smile. “I wanted to put him on a bike then and there.”
“I’ve always seen him wearing your patch, but I saw Luca beside him. If not as his VP, then just as close.”
“Babe, they’ll still be as close, if not closer. They’ll both be presidents.”
“Luca wasn’t raised for this, Cas. He needs more time.”
“No, he doesn’t. That son of ours is quick thinking, takes no shit, and he doesn’t hesitate to get his hands dirty. His need to seek retribution for the ones he cares about is paramount to mine.” Taking a deep breath, I tell her, “After Victoria was hurt in Mercy, he came to me and told me—he didn’t ask, he told me—he wanted to take out the brothers who caused her pain. I gave it to him, and he shot both of them, straight between the eyes, and didn’t even flinch.”
Gasping, she turns in her chair. If looks could kill, I’d be heading down to the mortuary.
“You gave him permission to kill two men? He was barely eighteen!” she seethes.
“We guessed something was going on between him and Victoria back then, and no one could’ve stopped me if it were you. You’ve seen him, Lana. You know, for whatever reason, he has my darkness.”
“I won’t deny it. I’ve worried about him far more than I ever have Leo. But president, Cas? He has no idea what that entails.”
“He’ll learn. And mark my words, he’ll do us proud, darlin’. You’ve got to stop thinking he’s our boy. He’s grown, married, and he’s more than capable of holding his own. Fuck, I wouldn’t want to stand against him, and he’s my son.”
“What does Leo think about it?”
“He thinks it makes sense. He gave his vote to Luca.”
She goes slack in the chair, fatigue pressing down on her. I attempt to slide my arm around her as much as I can in these fucking horrible plastic chairs.
“He really killed for her?” she whispers.
“Yeah. He’s the man he is today because of her. Did you know he was never going to patch in?”
“I had a feeling, seeing as he was so hellbent on finding that Sara girl.”
“He patched in for Victoria. He’ll do what he has to for her, and in turn, for the club.”
“They both remind me of you so much. They fight hard, love harder, but I dread the day it costs them, because the pain is too much. We’ve already seen it with India. Luca would burn down the world if anything happened to Victoria.”
“It’s the same as I would for you. That hasn’t changed, and it never will.”
“One of usshould go back and check on Rayna.”
My eyes spring open, and I strain to clear my vision. The morning sun filters through the window, but a quick look at Leo tells me he’s still out.
“I’ll go. I need to settle the brothers, anyway. Call me as soon as anything changes.”
Standing, I stretch my arms into the air, and my back cracks in three different places. Fuck getting old. I used to sleep on the ground and jump straight up the next morning. If I did that now, it’d take me a week to get rid of the aches and pains.
Giving Alannah a quick kiss, I squeeze Leo’s hand, hoping like fuck he can feel it.
“I won’t be long.”
“Be safe.”
Out in the hall, Bonnie, Sparky, Ricky, and Slade are sitting in the waiting area. When they see me, all four make their way over to me.
“Any change?” Bonnie asks, hope burning bright in her eyes.
