"Grandma, I want more cookies," Lavinia whined.
"No, Lavy, you can't have another cookie," Grandma said.
"Grandma, please, just one more, please," Lavinia asked sweetly.
"No more cookies, or you'll get an upset stomach," Grandma replied.
"Lavinia, listen to Grandma," Riccardo said.
"Grandpa, Grandma won't give me more cookies!" Lavinia complained.
"Stop being silly, Lavinia. You already ate a lot of cookies today," Gianna said.
"Grandma Santis, please give my little princess more cookies," Grandpa Santis said kindly.
"No more cookies for Lavinia today," Grandma Santis said firmly. "She's had enough, and I'm afraid her stomach might hurt if she eats more."
"Lavinia, come here," Grandpa Santis called.
"Yes, Grandpa?" Lavinia said, pouting.
"Come on, Lavy. You'll have more cookies tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay, Grandpa."
"That's my girl. Go and play with your sisters."
"Okay, Grandpa!" she said excitedly.
"Grandpa, can you call Dad for us? It's been a while since they called," Gianna asked.
"Yes, yes, Grandpa—we miss Papa and Mama!" Isabella added.
"Alright, I'll call them now."
Ring… Ring…
"Hello, Dad. Good morning," Leonardo said.
"Hello, son. How are you? I hope things are going well over there."
"Yes, Dad, but we've noticed some strange movements around the park lately."
"Really? Have you found out who they are?"
"No, Dad. We've been trying to trace them, but we couldn't."
"Okay, the kids said they miss you—that's why I'm calling."
"Give the phone to them."
"Good morning, Papa!" the kids said in unison.
"Good morning, my babies! How are you?"
"We're fine, Papa! Where's Mama?"
"Your Mama is still sleeping."
"Huh? Why is Mama still sleeping? Is she not feeling well?" Gianna asked.
"No, she's fine—just tired."
"Oh, okay, Papa. Help us greet her," they all said.
"Alright, kids. Papa has to go now. Give the phone back to Grandpa."
"Okay, Papa! Love you! Byeeee!"
"Love you all."
"Dad, I have to go now. I still have some things to attend to."
"Okay, son. Go ahead."
"Bye, Dad," Leonardo said, and hung up.
"Who were you talking to, honey?" Aria asked.
"I was talking to Dad and the kids."
"Oh, really? You should've woken me up to say hi. I miss them."
"I didn't wake you because I knew you were tired."
"Thank you, honey. What time is it?"
"It's 6:30."
"What?! Oh my God, I have to get ready—I'm late!"
"Calm down, honey. Why are you in such a hurry?"
"I have to be there before 7 o'clock."
"Alright, but take it easy. I'll get ready too."
"Okay, honey… Oh, I almost forgot, I won't be coming home for a few days."
"Why? Did the Alpha assign another task to you?"
"Yeah. We noticed some strange movements around the park. The Alpha asked me to look into it."
"Alright, honey, but please be careful when you're out there."
"Yes, I will. Don't worry," Leonardo said and kissed his wife on the forehead.
---
Two Weeks Later…
"Mama, where's Papa?" Riccardo asked suspiciously.
"Your dad isn't back yet. I told you he went on a business trip."
"But Mama, it's been two weeks now, and we still haven't heard from him."
"Maybe he's busy—that's why he hasn't called."
"Still, Mama, he could've at least called once."
"I know, but maybe he doesn't have time right now. You know your father—he would've called if he could. He misses you all a lot."
"Okay, Mom. We love you," they all chorused.
"I love you more, my darlings. Go to bed now. Your dad loves you too."
Aria ended the call, and Grandpa Santis took the phone and went into his library.
"When was the last time you heard from your husband?" Grandpa Santis asked.
"Since last week. He said he couldn't talk much because he's going undercover. The Alpha instructed him not to let the rogues notice him."
"Riccardo is right—he could've mindlinked me, at least to say he's safe."
"I'm sorry on his behalf, Father, but I think he's doing this because he doesn't want you to worry."
"Hmm…" Grandpa Santis sighed.
"Father, don't worry. Leonardo is fine," Aria assured him.
"I know he is. I'm just worried about him. Send him my regards when you get the chance to talk to him."
"Yes, Father, I will."
"Alright then. Goodbye."
"Bye, Father."
---
Meanwhile…
"Reporting to Alpha," Leonardo said as he bowed respectfully.
"Did you find anything?" the Alpha asked.
"No, Alpha. It seems they knew we'd trace them, so they covered any tracks that could lead to them."
"Alright then. We don't know who they are yet, so tell the Zeta to tighten security."
"Yes, Alpha."
"You're excused."
'Zeta Mark, arrange more guards at the park border,' Leonardo mindlinked.
'Okay, Delta,' Mark replied.