"You can run all you want Natalia, but you can't fucking hide from me anymore, I can smell you like a fucking blood hound. Wherever you run, wherever you hide, I will find you....."- Callum Clarke
Natalia De Leon is daughter to one of the most power...
"Zoey we're going to be late sweetie I said as I knocked on her bathroom door". "I don't want to go!" She protested as she didn't want to come out of the bathroom. "Zo it's your brother's baptism you have to go."
Zoey had been feeling jealous since Rian was born and today was his baptism at Holy Name Cathedral. Which had her feeling extra jealous. She thought Rian was stealing all the attention from her. I knocked on the door a couple more times as I got a text from Gio asking where we were. The priest and Godparents were already there and the press outside the church was getting antsy. Planning Rian's baptism wasn't difficult due to a hefty donation from Callum to the church and our families were both Roman Catholic, so there wasn't much conflict on which church it would be held at. Callum came into the room checking his watch, "what the matter love? We're running extremely late. The priest's got a funeral in less than an hour"
"Zoey doesn't want to come out" I sighed stepping aside from her bathroom door, "Zoey sweetheart you have to come out now, we're going to be late" Callum knocked on her door.
"No! You love the baby more than me!" she protested from behind the door. I could already feel her crossing her arms behind the door as she talked to Callum. She was five already and was a daddy's girl to the bone. "Zoey Maeve, we love you both equally" Callum said as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Rian is a baby sweetheart, he needs help and supervision a bit more than you" he paused. "But that doesn't mean we love you any less, you're smart and can-do other things too. And as his big sister you have the most special job of all"
"What job?" She asked interested from behind the door, "teaching him cool stuff only you know as his big sister and protecting him " Callum smiled as the door unlocked, she stood in her burgundy ruffled dress, "can I teach him about ponies?" She asked as she uncrossed her arms, "of course you can, sweetheart you're the expert " Callum smiled as she jumped into his arms. "Now let's get going" he said as he lifted her up.
When we arrived at the cathedral everyone was already seated and waiting. We decided on making Aldo and Aida Rian's godparents. I had tried tracking Nora down and sent an invitation to her last known address somewhere in the outskirts of Moscow hoping she'd show up. But as I scoped the place out there was no sign of her present. Callum gave me a gentle squeeze on my arm as we reached the altar where Aldo and Aida were waiting with the priest. Callum handed Rian off to Aldo and Aida as the priest began the ceremony.
Rian was a quiet baby. Very observant and had a bright smile his name suited him well, for Callum said it meant King in Gaelic. He was inspired Zoey's middle name Maeve. He wanted to give our son a strong name since hers meant intoxicating with a story of a strong queen tied to it. During my pregnancy, Callum was there every step of the way. He hired the best doctors and delivery suite for when it was time to deliver our son. He never missed an appointment and satisfied my every craving all while making sure Zoey felt secure in her new role as a big sister. I smiled up at him throughout the ceremony and he'd give my hand a gentle squeeze returning the gesture.
As the ceremony finally came to conclusion Callum took Rian in his arms and I held Zoey's hand, and we walked out united as a family. Now all four families were tied and bound securing our future not just for us but for our kids and their future.
My family was smiling happily from the seats. Saint was sitting front row with Fernando and my brothers. He smiled at me warmly and gave me a little salute. As we exited the church there were reporters everywhere trying to get a photo of us from behind the barriers. Amir held onto Zoey and loaded her into the car that waited for us.
Our empire's legitimate side grew exponentially over the past year making us a prominent figure in Chicago in a lighter way while still keeping our darker connections hidden from the public eye
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In the crowd as the photographer's cameras flashed, I could see a slim figure behind them standing in a dark black hoodie and jeans. Half their face covered by a medical face mask. Even then that couldn't hide her beauty. As she lowered the mask, my suspicions were correct, it was Nora. She smiled brightly and waved while she mouthed out, "I love you" I paused in my tracks and began walking towards the press barricade, but Callum held onto my arm gently, "you okay love?" He asked as he pulled me closer.
I turned around to face the crowd again only to see she had disappeared, "yeah I'm fine I smiled as I held onto his hand. Nora had come Afterall. She was safe and healthy. I thought to myself.
Callum handed me Rian as we settled into the car. Callum looked over to the crowd of reporters, before waving one last time and getting inside the car after me; Zoey was goofing around and making funny faces that had Rian cooing and giggling.
One day we'd meet again. I gave Zoey and Rian a kiss on their foreheads before looking up at Callum who tightened his arm around my shoulder, "She'll come around" he smiled knowing that he knew what had me so pensive. "I just wonder why she chose to leave without telling me anything. It's always been me and Nora" I sighed.
"Love makes you do things you'd never think of doing. Once her father and brother's calm down I'm sure she'll return" he smiled as he looked down at me in his arms.
"You're right Callum" I smiled as I gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Is tú mo ghrá Natalia" (you are my love) he whispered, "and you mine" I replied.
