Rogues and Royals

Duties and Dalliances

Jude’s POV

“And I should know, raising four hellions is s**t on your own.” I softly laughed as I shook my head. “You have an amazing partner to help you as well, ya know? You’re not alone, and you’re doing great. Just trust that someone would speak up if you weren’t. And if someone does, come get me so I can kick their ass.”

Melody smiled a little at me, but her eyes still seemed hollow. f**k; Teddy’s right. This wasn’t Melody’s normal self, her outgoing and strong nature changed since the attack. We’re all gonna be on our toes for a while, I shook my head as we just sat there in silence for a bit as the baby nursed. “Here, Mel… let me clean her up, and you go get some more sleep with Teddy.”

“I can-“

“Melody, rest. You’re going to need to be strong to even begin to get better. I promise I’ll check on you and the baby throughout my shift; scout’s honor.” I was finally able to usher her back to bed and then changed and swaddled the baby, making sure they were all asleep before leaving.

Today was going to be hectic enough, especially seeing as how we were still dealing with wounded from the attack. I kept my promise though and made sure that if I couldn’t check on her, another nurse did. And by the time my fourteen hour shift was up, Teddy and Melody were ready to go home.

I was too to be honest, wanting to get back to Ludington and my warm and cozy king bed. That, and the girls had school in the morning. “Yah ready to go, Sexy?” Axel made me jump as he knocked on the office door where I was grabbing my purse and jacket.

“Dammit, you gotta stop doing that!” I play swatted at his arm, smiling at my annoying mate and stealing a kiss. “Just about. Melody and Teddy are being discharged now, so we’re gonna have a long drive ahead of us.”

“I have security already clearing the way on the roads, and our SUV will be following theirs.” He confirmed. “The girls are packed and ready to go as well.”

“Thanks, babe.” I swatted him a little on his ass, causing him to teeter some on his prosthetic legs.

“Watch it, sexy; these are my new ones.” He frowned at me in mock indignation, making me snort.

“Lieutenant Dan’s got new legs?!” My joke got Axel to snort as he lifted his pants some, almost toppling forward.

“f**k, Jude. That’s funny shit.” He grinned. “Nah, the doc said that these should stay on fine and drop off quickly when I shift; a prototype of sorts. Plus, he made me two inches taller!” He stood up straight then, his head hitting the doorframe as he did. “f**k!” He grumbled as he held his hand over where he hit.

“Hah; serves ya right.” I grinned as we started walking.

“Why? I just wanted to be more intimidating.” He mumbled, pouting some.

“Yah, but now I can’t kiss ya without you about falling over.” He stopped in his tracks, about to say something before I grabbed a bit of his chin and pulled his face down to mine, stealing a kiss right before he fell face forward to the floor. “See?”

“Oof!” He caught the floor with his arms and managed to stop his head from hitting the floor. “f**k, yer right!” He struggled to get back up as I cackled a little and started to run.

“Last one to the SUV is on top!” I yelled, making him grumble as I put on an extra burst of speed. I love that i***t. And I did too, especially how I was able to joke with him and how he did the same in turn. He was perfect for me, and our girls.

I could hear him gain on me, but he wasn’t fast enough as I burst through the hospital doors and touched the SUV mere seconds from him. “No fair, you cheated!” He grumbled, giving me his big puppy dog blue eyes as he pouted.

“All is fair in love and war.” I kissed the tip of his nose, getting a growl as he pulled me closer and captured my lips with his. I pushed into his kiss, enjoying his taste of salt and amber. He darted his tongue into my mouth and twisted it around my own, making me moan as they glided against each other.

“Ewww! Mommy, Daddy!” The girls called out from their seats, making Axel chuckle as I pulled away.

“Ada, Abby, Addison, and Grace; if you don’t want to see us kiss, don’t watch!” I scolded them as I pulled Axel back to me, making my girls squeal with mock horror and giggles.

“Eww, now I have cooties!” Axel pulled back and wiped his tongue with his hands, making Ada snort loudly, setting her and her sisters to start giggling again.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road!” I saw Melody get into the front car then with Teddy’s help, the Grave family seeing them off. Axel waived at Ted Two as we drove by, the old man flipping him off as we did. “What’s that about?” I asked, seeing some of Teddy’s nephews laugh as they pointed to the old man when we got further away.

“I may or may not have put a snake or two into his underwear drawer.” Axel didn’t look at me when he said it, making me raise an eyebrow at him. “… okay, I did… but he started it.” I shook my head at him as the driver hit the road, leaning against him and deciding to try and get some sleep while I still could.