Angel

Chapter 34

Owen

It had taken a few days, but we finally managed to get all of them to the mansion. Corey was still on bedrest most of the time, but Axel and Raven had made quick recoveries. Violet was doing better than expected. I had Lilly come and see both her and Vivian when they arrived. While the young girl still wasn't comfortable letting any of the Toma men out of her eyesight and insisted on sharing a room with Marc, she wasn't bursting into tears constantly anymore.

Vivian had been active in the search for Mattie, reaching out across the globe to any and all contacts she'd ever had. We had confirmed that Mattie was indeed being held at the Cardoza compound, but we weren't sure in what manner. So far the Academy hadn't been able to make contact with their informant and was being extra careful in light of the kidnapping. They'd even gone as far as to assign extra protection to Violet for fear that the cartel might target her next.

"Are you and Kota still planning to keep your meeting with the cartel," I asked Victor as he entered the study.

"Yeah, we thought it was even more important now to keep the investigation going. I know the original mission was to shut them down, but if we can even get a glimpse of Mattie, it will be worth it." He sat in the chair across from my desk and let out a deep sigh. "I just want to give them some kind of hope, you know?"

"I know. I'm thankful they have Violet to focus on," I said. "Otherwise, I'm afraid they'd be too reckless in their efforts to rescue her."

"I'm really worried, Owen. From what Vivian said, Cardoza is obsessed with her. As far as he's concerned, she belongs to him. What if we can't get her out?" Victor said in a hushed voice.

"That's not a fucking option," Marc said walking in the room, causing us to both look up. His face was livid. "I'll burn the entire cartel to the ground if I have to, Victor. She's coming home." We simply nodded, not sure what else to say.

Emilio

My men carried her out of the room as everyone sat in shocked silence. "As some of you have already learned, our new guest is Mi Princesa." I laid my gun on the table, then looked around the room. "She will be your Reina soon, treat her as such." My eyes locked on Rico in an unspoken challenge. He looked devastated. Good - I can use that to my advantage, I smirked. He lowered his head in submission as did the rest of the room. I heard Trish make a strangled noise and then run out of the room. God that woman was insufferable. The only reason she's still alive is the intel she was able to give that helped me bring mi princesa home.

With a final glance, I picked up my gun and headed to the hospital wing to check on her.

The room is dim when I enter. She looks so fragile lying in bed. Doc had hooked up an IV line and bandaged her mark already. Part of me cringes knowing I did that to her, but it had to be done. The world needs to know she's mine - and so does she. I ran my hand over her forehead as she stirred slightly, muttering something softer than I could understand.

I can hear talking in the next room and recognize Tori's voice. Carlos must have done a number on her. He's not a forgiving man. It's one of the reasons he's my second in command - I can trust that he'll get shit done.

After a few moments, Doc came into the room. "How is she?"

He frowned, "Was the brand really necessary?"

"Watch your tone, Doc," I warned him as he lowered his gaze. "I know it was harsh, but you should know what risks she'll face. That mark will save her life in the end."

"Well, a bit of a warning would have been nice. Between her concussion, the ecstasy the Palmas shot her up with, and the shock of the burn, she was a wreck when they brought her to me," he snapped. Fuck, I didn't know about the concussion and had forgotten Jake shooting her up. Doc must have seen my worry because he quickly added, "She'll be fine, Emilio. Just give her some time to heal. I'll keep her sedated and on IV antibiotics for now. However, I did want to let you know, her bloodwork showed she's been using birth control for a while. Do you want her to continue or use an alternate method, perhaps an IUD?"

I ran my hand over her jawline, and shook my head, "No. She won't need it anymore. We'll be married soon and children will come naturally. Although, I am glad she couldn't get pregnant now, especially..." I couldn't finish my thought out loud. If Rico or Jake had gotten her pregnant, I'd have lost my mind.

Doc patted my shoulder, "Just be patient and give her time to come around. She's gone through a lot in a short time. If you push her, you'll lose her. Just because you keep her here doesn't mean you can force her to love you, Emilio. That will take much more."

I looked into his old eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity. Since my father's death, Roberto had become a source of guidance for me. He'd been one of my parent's closest advisors and a trusted family friend. "Thank you, friend. I'll do my best to give her what she needs and deserves." He hugged me briefly and then left the room.

I pulled up a chair and sat watching her chest rise and fall peacefully. "I'll make you love me, mi amore. I promise."

Author's Notes:  Please comment, vote, and follow!

I'm home for a few days, then off again on another work trip.  I'll post rapidly for a few days, but won't be able to post from the trip.