Page 47 of The Tribrid Princess and the Taste of Chaos (The Rossi Legacies #7)

Leo

I look up at the Rossi Mansion. This place always feels so fucking extravagant, and at the same time, it stands as a reminder of the man who had it built. A proof of his legacy. The Rossi Legacy.

He is the one man I have the most respect for in the entire fucking Rossi clan.

Rafael Rossi.

Fleetingly, I place my hand on my chest and lower my head with respect to him.

I’ve been pondering my choice for the leader who would be placed at the head of Midnight Academy, and although I had narrowed it down to three options, my first choice still held her spot. Now, I just need to see if she’ll agree.

I put out my cigarette as the door opens and step inside as the butler smiles politely, lowering his head.

“Right this way, Alpha King.”

The urge to tell them to drop the king is on the tip of my tongue, but I don’t say anything as I walk through the large hall, our footsteps echoing off the marble floors.

“You got here quicker than I was predicting, Uncle,” Ahren says as he walks down the huge, winding staircase.

He’s changed over the last two years, not only in his behaviour, but he’s filled out more, he’s gotten taller, most likely due to his demon side, giving him a tall, looming appearance, although he’s pretty muscular.

“Thank you, Scott.” He smiles at the butler, who lowers his head before walking away, then motions to me to follow him.

I glance at my watch. This morning, I had left at the same time that Jayce and Sienna had set out for the Academy.

“Well, there’s something else I wanted to inform you of.

” I have to tell them about what happened with Jayce and Sienna, and since Aaron heard what happened, I could tell he was blaming himself, feeling like even more of a fucking failure.

Further proof that he does need to step down.

Someone who is going to fucking panic or blame themselves the moment something goes wrong is not the kind of person we need in leadership.

He was the safest choice back when I was trying to create a fair and equal playing field and trying my best not to put only Rossis in positions of power.

I knew it wasn’t the smartest idea, even though there was a lot of potential with this family, but balancing out power equally was vital, especially when I was changing so much of the foundation Alejandro had created.

Although Maria had been one of my first choices back then, she had just lost her son.

“Oh yeah? Intriguing.” Ahren looks at me curiously.

I had informed him about considering Maria for the position, wanting his consent prior to asking her.

I know taking her away from here will make this place even quieter, with Delsanra called out on missions more frequently as well.

He had been on board from the moment I mentioned it, even agreeing that it would be good for her.

We step into the lounge where Delsanra, Raihana, and Maria are already seated. Delsanra is reading a grimoire, whilst Maria is grinding herbs, and Raihana is filling bottles of herb mixtures.

I definitely came early.

“Leo,” Maria says, a smile on her face.

“Maria.” I walk over to her, and she takes my hands, kissing my cheek. “I apologise for getting here early.”

“It doesn’t matter at all. Take a seat,” she says.

I give Delsanra a nod as Raihana gives me a small wave. I saw her just a few days ago.

“So, what brings you here? You wanted to talk specifically with me?” Maria asks as she sits down gracefully, her eyes fixed on me as she continues to grind the herbs.

“Yes. I did. I’ll cut to the chase, as there are some other matters that cropped up last night.”

This time, Raihana turns, her eyes fixed on me. “Is it about what happened near Oxford?” she asks sharply.

“Yeah,” I answer. She simply nods but lets me continue, although her frown only deepens.

She’ll probably flip when she realises her niece was there…

“As you all know, I’ve been considering candidates for the replacement at Midnight Academy for the position of Head.

With the strongest of our future generation in that Academy, it’s a place that needs constant security, leadership and organisation. ”

Maria nods, giving me her full attention. There’s a knock on the door, and I pause as it opens. A woman brings in a tray of snacks and drinks, placing it in front of me.

“Thanks,” I say to the woman as she smiles politely before leaving.

“Help yourself, dear,” Maria says, gesturing to the variety of delicacies on the platter. “Lunch will be served at 1pm.”

“There was no need for that.” This shit is too formal for me.

“You can’t come here and expect us to let you leave without eating?” Maria admonishes. “I’m certain it will be past one by the time you’re done.”

“Probably true.” I smile faintly.

“So, how can we help? Do you need help in selecting a new alpha to become head of the Academy? I do have a good scope of all the retired alphas, and there are a few who-”

“No. I’m not here to ask for your opinion on other alphas. I’m here to ask you to take that position.”

All three women look at me, and Maria raises an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“Your knowledge of extensive combat experience is impressive. You’re mentally resilient, and despite the losses you have endured, you are one of the strongest people I have ever met.

You are the only person in your age group whom I know still trains every single day.

You’re well-rounded in so many skills, making you the one person who would know what to do in all situations and to understand what each subject is covering. ” I pause for a moment.

“Leo…” Maria trails off as if not sure what to say.

“Not only that, but you have the best understanding of witches. After all, your family is full of not only werewolves, but witches and demons too. A diverse family in so many ways. You have trained your grandchildren yourself. You know what fields to cover, you know how to assess. By becoming the leader of the most important generation of our time, you can guide them in ways that no other Head has done so before. You won’t just be a Headmistress, but Head Commander.

You’re level-headed, fair, and above all, fucking strong. So what do you say?”

I sit back as Maria frowns ever so slightly. “That is asking for a lot. The position is not one that anyone can take lightly. Wouldn’t Elijah or Scarlett be better suited?”

“In comparison to you, no. Your strength is one I admire, and I know that this place will become quieter if you leave-”

“No, I mean, we love having Mama Mari here, but I love this idea. This position is perfect for you. Don’t let anything hold you back.” Delsanra is the first to speak.

I remain quiet as Raihana nods, and Ahren simply observes them.

I know Delsanra took a back seat in many situations simply to be there with Maria.

I won’t mention it, but both of them have their own purposes and roles, which is the best thing, it’ll keep them distracted…

Although… the one person who would be left alone is Ahren.

But the young man is a mystery in many ways, and right now I have no idea what’s going through his mind.

“I will have a think about it. The position, as you said, is one of great responsibility. What about Alejandro?”

“Alejandro wouldn’t be a bad option, but I still stand by what I said, that you are the best for this role. Besides, he’s still very involved with everything going on. He just doesn’t have to make the decisions anymore.” Something he fucking loves to rub in when we’re met with a hard decision.

Maria nods. “Give me three days; I will have a think, and then let you know.”

“Very well.” I nod, picking up a glass of juice.

“So, Oxford, what happened?” Raihana asks as she gets up from the floor and sits next to Ahren on the sofa opposite me.

I exhale. “Well, I will need someone to tap into Jayce’s mind for the full picture, but the enemy was at Dante’s calibre according to them.

Although both of them put up a good fight against the enemy, he was too strong and they were defeated.

Luckily, he let them live.” Now to fucking tell them Sienna was there…

I fucking hate this shit. And I don’t want to be the fucking reason their – ‘whatever is going on’, gets out.

“Dante’s calibre?” Ahren frowns.

“Jayce went up against him?” Delsanra asks worriedly.

“And who do you mean by ‘they’?” Ahren adds as an afterthought.

“Jayce and Sienna,” I say.

Their expressions change, and I can feel the energy in the room rise as their auras come forward.

“Is Sienna ok?” Delsanra asks as she takes hold of my arm, worry in her voice.

“That’s what you meant when you said Sienna was caught up in something, but she’s fine…” Ahren frowns.

“She’s fine, and yes, if she were injured, I would have alerted you the moment I knew.

She’s fine, but Jayce was a lot worse off.

Kiara managed to heal him, but he does have a scar left from some kind of blade that the enemy used.

The damage done to the area was Jayce’s handiwork.

He is the Deimos King, and he came into power. ”

“He’s the Deimos King…” Ahren smirks slightly. “Nice. I knew it would be one of them, but was always curious as to which one it would be.”

“So, what were he and Sienna doing out there?” Raihana asks with a deep frown on her face.

“They took leave. Jayce is working with Sienna, so it could be a number of things. The main thing is, she was with one of the strongest people at the Academy, if not the strongest. And, although the rules of leaving the Academy will need to be strengthened, they are fine. But I thought you deserved to know. She’ll probably let you know herself as well. ”

I really fucking hope they don’t push me further; I’m not fucking interested in anyone’s personal life, or explaining it.

“I’m going to call her,” Delsanra says, her heart beating rather fast. “Excuse me.”

Raihana offers her an understanding smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze as she passes by her.

“I was going to throw Sienna’s birthday party at a venue pretty close to the Academy, but with everything going down, do you think we should relocate it?” Ahren frowns.

“No, the venue is only a fifteen-minute drive from the Academy. We’ll just amp up security and protection. I think you all do deserve some time to have some fun. In all of this, let’s not forget to live, even when those moments are fucking hard to come by.”

“True, the venue is one of our own, so we can easily make sure the security and protections are at their best.” Ahren nods.

“It is a relief that both children are fine. I’ll call the Westwoods as well,” says Maria.

I nod. “But have a think about it. We need a strong leader after all.”

“I will, and I will let you know. If I do agree, and I am given this responsibility, then I will expect you to let me make decisions for the Academy. I take my responsibilities very seriously, and when I am given something to do, I will see it through to the end.”

“And that is exactly why I fucking want you for the job,” I answer.

“You’re more persuasive than I thought you could be. Does Alejandro know?”

“No, I wanted to get your opinion first, but I’m sure if you did tell him, he’d agree you’re excellent for the job.”

She simply smiles, and I’m not sure what she’s going to decide, but I really do fucking hope she agrees.

“Dinner is ready,” Maria says and stands. I nod as we all get up.

“Raihana,” I call to the woman who is following me.

“Yes?”

“Are you available to do the spell to read Jayce or Sienna’s mind of the event?”

“Always. Shall we wait until the day after tomorrow? Let Sienna enjoy her birthday.”

I nod. “Sure, why not? I can wait two days.”

“Excellent. How are Liam and Raven holding up about Jayce?” she asks.

She means Liam, both she and Liam haven’t been working together – although it fucking grates on my nerves as their battle dynamics are one of the best I’ve seen, but their egos and stances got in the way. Yet they still worry and show concern for the other.

“Why not call and ask them?”

She rolls her eyes. “I’ll call Raven then,” she says, giving me a frown.

“Great,” I reply arrogantly. I’m not about to help make things easier when they need to get over their differences and work together, especially now, when their families might just be getting a tad fucking closer.

Now, regarding Maria, I’ll wait three days for her answer.

Until then, let’s see if we can find out more about the man who ambushed them.