Cedar Sweep you have to get what you want your own way

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Arturo listens to Lotte as she speaks, nodding in favor of speaking his agreement when she mentions that they have lost but have gained. The grand balance, he thinks wryly. They have a lot to be grateful for. Arturo thinks that Hemlock is dear to him as well, keeping to his quietude. He does not need to speak to convey that. Her and Palisander were the first to rally to his cause and if not for her Arturo wonders if Eiri would have actually survived. Arturo trusts Hemlock more than he trusts many, but the knife lodged in his back remains as a harsh reminder of what trust can lead him to. He does not believe that Hemlock would betray him or Teaghlaigh …but in all fairness he had never thought Olive would as well. Anyone could put that knife in his back. Hemlock, Chusi, his children, Lotte even. Everyone was capable of it. Arturo turns though things away. He does not want to become paranoid afraid that it will summon Riptide.

“When they are old enough we will take them out. I’m sure Chusi would love to help,” She has not been as flighty lately, he thinks, but does not linger long on her, either. This moment was meant to be theirs. Though there is one thing he feels needs to be said. “Sirius will be old enough to visit his parents soon,” Arturo is not looking forward to it. He dreads it but he is a man of his word, if nothing else. “I am escorting him,” The gangster is not sure if this is a good idea but he will not allow the pair to manipulate their son into leaving with them. If he leaves it will be when he is nine months, an adult in the eyes of the pack and capable of making that decision for himself. “he may decide when he is old enough that he no longer wishes to stay, he may want to be with his parents.” He reminds her. His parents are banished, after all, and when he is old enough to hear the story and understand both sides he may side with the star-crossed lovers against The Family. It is subtle but it his way of warning not to get too attached.

The sins of the parents do not effect Arturo’s look upon the child but Arturo keeps himself at a distance because he is the villain of that story; as he always will be. He switches his attention back to Lotte though with a smile of adoration upon his muzzle.

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