Blackheart

.XIX.

It had been two months since the wedding and six since the birth of my babies. I sat in the office of my ‘packhouse’, reading my company’s financial report and breastfeeding a very hungry Okoye when there was a silent knock on the door followed by Calypso, Ilta and Cato walking in.

“Okay, I need your signature on this by-law that Atto sent in,” Calypso said.

“What is it this time?” I asked, still focused on the financial reports from my shipping company.

“He wants illegitimate children to be recognized and have claim to the title,” she answered.

“Hm. Set it with the others.”. She placed Atto’s ‘request’ in a file with all his others on the far side of my wrap-round desk.

“This ‘packhouse’ is more like a mansion, Ororo.” Ilta said

“Just a little one.” Cato said finally speaking up and stepping forward, “I need your signature to accept a halfling into our pack. I already have Matteo’s.”. Matteo barges into the room and takes a still nursing Okoye from my arms. She frowned at being taken whilst still hungry.

“Daddy is here now princess.” he said.

“And daddy shall stay up and feed her tonight!” I snapped up at him. He dropped to his knees and places her back on my breast and pats her hair gently. Even whilst kneeling, Matteo somehow still towered over me making me seem even more petite.

“Mo ghrá, you’ve been working nonstop. Take a break.” he said taking my hand, smiling down at me. I hadn’t even noticed when he had risen to his feet. We walked out of the office, hand in hand, bumping into my grandparents, Asu and, a few feet and trailing behind them, Atto.

“What are you doing holding my mate’s hand?” he asked.

“We are married.” Matteo smiled, looking down into my eyes, causing me to blush and turn away.