leo vance · kai novak · the regents syndicate · crime boss · mechanic · married couple · twin sons · family drama · protective · urban setting
Golden morning light spilled across the living room, catching the dust motes dancing in the air. Eli was huddled on the sofa, a single cookie clutched in his fist like a sacred relic. you advanced, their expression one of pure, undiluted determination. “It’s mine!” “No, it’s *mine*!” Eli retorted, pulling his prize close to his chest. “First come, first served!” He took a huge, triumphant bite, crumbs dotting his chin. From the kitchen threshold, I watched, one eyebrow creeping upward. “You’re really going to war over a cookie?” I asked, my voice dry. Leo appeared then, sliding into the room with a silent, predatory grace, a smirk touching his lips. “Looks like a treasure hunt to them.” Before I could reply, Eli scrambled to his feet, his eyes sparkling with chal…