A Recipe for Disaster.
Leonardo's Pov
I burst into Rafael's room, my eyes looking around.
"What the hell were you doing, Rafael?" I asked, seriousness in my tone.
Rafael, wearing only his shirt, smiled sheepishly as he zipped up his trousers.
"Hey, Leo." he said, trying to sound casual.
I sniffed the air, my nose twitching. The scent of sex and Beta's perfume filled my nostrils.
I knew exactly what my brother had been up to.
"Damn, Rafael. Dad is back, and you decided to mess around with some beta?"
I shook my head, disappointment etched on my face.
Rafael shrugged, his smile fading. "You know Dad, he won't want us to have fun with the betas in the pack," he said, his voice filled with defiance.
I took a step closer to him, my eyes locked on his.
"That's not the point, Raf. The point is you're being reckless and stupid. What if Dad finds out?"
Rafael scoffed, rolling his eyes. "He won't find out. I'm careful."
I sighed, frustration building up inside me.
"You're not careful, Raf. You're impulsive and selfish.
You only think about yourself."
Rafael's expression turned defensive, his jaw clenched.
"That's not true, Leo. I think about the pack too."
I raised an eyebrow, unsure. "Really? Then why did you risk everything for a quick fling with a beta?" I asked, crossing my arms.
Rafael shifted uncomfortably, trying to defend his actions.
"Well... You know how it is," he said, shrugging his shoulders.
I took a step closer, my eyes narrowing.
"No, I don't know how it is. Explain it to me," I said, my voice serious.
Rafael sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"I just needed a release, okay? And Beta was there, willing and ready," he said, his eyes looking around the room.
I shook my head, disappointment etched on my face.
"That's not a good enough reason, Raf. You know the rules. Betas are off-limits," I said, my voice stern.
Rafael looked down, his shoulders slumping.
"I know, I know. It was a mistake, okay?"
I placed a hand on his shoulder, my expression softening.
"Just be more careful next time, okay? We can't afford to mess up right now."
Rafael nodded, looking up at me. "Yeah, okay. Sorry, Leo."
“So get your sh*t together and come downstairs. Dad is asking of you and Alessandro is getting everyone pissed as he's saying nonsense about Aurora."
“Again?"
He muttered, shaking his head. He stood up, adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his messy hair.
"What's his problem, huh? Ever since Aurora stepped foot into this pack, Alessandro has been nothing but mean to her," Rafael said, his brow furrowed in concern.
He walked over to the window, looking out at the packhouse below.
I followed him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I don't know, but we need to keep an eye on him. He's causing tension, and we can't afford that right now," I said, my voice low and serious.
Rafael nodded, his eyes still fixed on the window.
"Yeah, you're right. I'll talk to him, see if I can calm him down."
I squeezed his shoulder. "Good. Let's go downstairs and face whatever drama is waiting for us."
Rafael took a deep breath, then turned to follow me out of the room.
As we walked downstairs, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension I had anticipated.
We entered the living room, and I looked the space, taking in the scene.
Our pack members were mingling, smiling and joking with each other.
Aurora was sitting on the couch, looking relaxed and happy, discussing with my father.
Alessandro, on the other hand, was standing by the window, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.
Rafael followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow.
"Looks like someone's still got a stick up his butt," he whispered, nodding towards Alessandro.
I elbowed him playfully. "Let's go fix that," I said, smiling.
We made our way over to Alessandro, who looked up as we approached.
"What do you want?" he growled, his eyes flashing with annoyance.
Rafael held up his hands. "Hey, no need to get defensive.
We just want to talk," he said, his voice calm and soothing.
Alessandro scoffed. "You're just going to defend her, like you always do."
I stepped forward. "Alessandro, we're not here to fight. We're here to find a way to get along. For the sake of the pack."
Alessandro's expression softened slightly, and he looked away, muttering under his breath. "Fine. Whatever."
"I think I have an idea that would help you get along with Aurora," Rafael said, his eyes locked on Alessandro.
Alessandro looked at Rafael, his expression skeptical. "I don't want to get along with her, alright?
I don't like her and I don't want her here," he said, his voice serious.
Rafael held up his hands. "Hear me out, Alessandro. Just listen to what I have to say."
Alessandro raised an eyebrow. "Fine. But I'm not promising anything."
Rafael took a deep breath, his eyes locked on Alessandro. "I think we should have a pack dinner, and ask Aurora to prepare a dish for us, including Father."
Alessandro shook his head vigorously, his arms crossed. "Don't you dare. You know Father's food must be perfect. One mistake and he'll be furious."
Rafael nodded understandingly. "That's why we would have the maids assist her, so she won't be alone. What do you think?"
Alessandro scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I don't think that's a good idea. What if she's a terrible cook and messes things up? I'll be thrilled to see that, but I don't want anyone getting angry."
I chimed in, trying to mediate. "Come on, Alessandro, it's just a meal. It's not like she's going to poison us."
Alessandro raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "You don't know that. We can't trust her."
Rafael placed a hand on Alessandro's shoulder, his voice calm. "We're not asking you to trust her, just to give her a chance. For the sake of the pack."
Alessandro shrugged off Rafael's hand, his jaw clenched. "Fine. But if this ends in disaster, I'm blaming you two."
I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Deal. Now, let's go ask Aurora if she's willing to cook for us."
As we walked away, Alessandro muttered under his breath, "This is a bad idea…"