Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire

Chapter 48

48. Family AZURA.

I sensed his struggle and knew I had to do something, even if he had been a total asshole to me last night. I mean, he had protected me from Judah and gotten rid of him. ‘Don‘t be so stubborn, forgive him Leo.‘ I said softly. I wanted to do more... I wanted to cup his face and tell him he wasn‘t alone, but I couldn‘t bring myself to do so when he didn‘t want me, and so I simply tried to comfort him silently through the bond.

He exhaled sharply, taking another drag of his cigarette before he turned back to his father, his tattooed hand closing around my wrist just when I was about to remove it. Not letting me move away.

“It‘s in the past... You don‘t need my forgiveness. I just needed it off my chest.” Leo said curtly, acting as arrogant as ever, but it was obvious that Marcel‘s words had gotten to him. “Thank you son, I‘m glad you told me.” Marcel said quietly, approaching us. The father and son looked at one another, and I slowly tugged my hand free, this was their moment. Corrado‘s eyes had been glued to Leo‘s grip on my hand, now flicked to mine. Curiosity, happiness, and still a bit of confusion lingered in those vibrant hazel eyes.

“I really am sorry Leo, and it just shows that I was wrong... Wrong to think of you like that, when I should have known you wouldn‘t harm anyone innocent.” Marcel apologised, placing his hands on his son‘s shoulders.

I smiled down at Corrado, stepping back and giving his hand a squeeze.

“Yeah, you should have, because if I wanted, we both know that I could have finished Rayhan years ago.” He said his voice was equally icy as it was quiet, so Corrado didn‘t hear.

I admired him, even when his emotions were so intense, he was able to keep himself in check around his son.

“I know what he did was complicated, but he has apologised Leo. You will be happier if you let it go.” If Marcel knew he was planning on talking to him I knew he‘d be proud of him. Truly proud. “Yeah, well let‘s not get ahead.” Leo replied coldly. Marcel smiled slightly and nodded. “Yes, you‘re right. I lost my mate and a child I never knew of... but I‘m so grateful that I still have you. You are my greatest blessing.” He said quietly, his voice thick with emotions. Goddess, it was too damn emotional! Marcel stepped closer to Leo and embraced him, Leo stiffened almost as if not used to it... “If you have truly forgiven me... I wish you would try to bring yourself to call me Dad again.” He said so quietly that I just about caught it. &

Urgh, I‘m going to blame the pregnancy hormones, this is not meant to be emotional! How the hell was Leo so stiff and cool? 2

I knew both were hurting and it made my heart ache to witness this... Life really was short and looking at Marcel now, I realised in a way, he really was alone... No mate, and his own son had pushed him away. Even if he did have other family, it wasn‘t the same.

Damnit, hug him.

Slowly, Leo raised his arms, embracing his father, and I smiled down at Corrado, who was watching with wide eyes. I was sure even he realised his father wasn‘t very close to Marcel. 1

I hope that changes going forward...

“I have never seen Daddy hug Grandad.” He said in a loud whisper. 2

Marcel chuckled as Leo moved back. He was as stoic as ever, but when our eyes met, he was unable to hide the fact that they were full of emotions. I knew it wasn‘t easy for him... but I truly was proud of him.

“Come on over here, son.” Marcel motioned him over, his arm still around Leo‘s shoulders, as Leo simply took a drag on the cigarette he was still holding.

“Group hug!” Corrado exclaimed, running over to them.

“Yes, you too, Azura.” Marcel smiled.

My eyes widened slightly, not expecting that. “I don‘t think–” “Come on Azura, we are having a family hug!” Corrado said, turning and beckoning me over.

“Family hug...” I placed my hand on my stomach for a second, feeling Leo‘s eyes on me, before I walked over to them as Marcel lifted Corrado into his arms.

“Yes, Azura is family, isn‘t she?” He asked Corrado as I stopped a little away, feeling awkward. Leo‘s scent didn‘t help matters either…

With Marcel‘s hands busy, did he expect me to hug Sexy Alpha Dickface? No, I so wasn‘t going to do that. I‘m still going to get that staple gun and execute my revenge... 3

“Yes, she is, we are going to keep her” Corrado whispered into Marcel‘s ear, making my eyebrow shoot up. 2 He let out a laugh before nodding “Yes, I like the idea.”

Leo frowned.

“Are we done yet?” He asked coldly. “Oh no Daddy, we have to have a group hug!” Corrado reminded him, holding his arm out to me. At the same moment, Leo reached out, his arm snaking around my waist as he pulled me close.

My heart pounded, the electrifying sparks of the bond dizzying. Our eyes met for a moment, and I could hear his heart deceive him.

So close... yet so far away... 2 I placed my hand on his shoulder, placing my other hand on Marcel‘s back. Forcing my gaze away from Leo‘s, I rested my head against Corrado‘s. He giggled, resting his hand on top of mine.

“I love you Azura!”

My heart thundered as I looked up into that innocent face of his.

“I love you too.” I whispered, reaching up I kissed his nose and smiled at him.

Somehow this little gem had made a special space inside of my heart...

There were just too many emotions inside of me... 1

Deep down past that stubborn ass exterior of mine, was it wrong that I wanted this? Wanted Leo... wanted to have Corrado in my life? Wanted Marcel to get to see his next grandchild grow up around him too? Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

My breath hitched when I felt Leo‘s fingers caress the side of my stomach. My heart pounded as I turned my eyes hesitantly to his.

Those icy blues that I loved so much stared back into mine with such intensity, that I almost forgot to breathe... “I‘ll put them...”

We all turned to see Winona standing there holding some dress bags, freezing in her tracks as she realised the room wasn‘t empty.

“I‘m so sorry.” She said quickly, looking flustered, as Leo moved back first.

“Not at all,” Marcel said, smiling slightly. “We were just having a moment, and I appreciate all the help. You didn‘t have to do any of this.” He walked over to her, and she smiled slightly, nodding. 1

“Thank you, Alpha.” She replied, looking down at the bags. “I‘ll take them.” Marcel offered, “We all need a change of clothes anyway.”

I watched curiously, wondering what those clothes were for. Marcel‘s words made me realise I had put paint on Leo, and Corrado had put some in my hair and all over Marcel. “Ah, this one is yours.” Marcel said, passing one of the bags back to her. Winona looked at him surprised. 1 “Alpha, I can‘t accept this...” She turned to Leo for help, looking confused. “You are as much part of this family as the rest of us. You have taken care of my grandson, and that alone is enough. Since it‘s of your choosing, you can‘t really refuse.” Marcel said firmly. “Alpha.” She looked at Leo who simply raised an eyebrow. 1 “I don‘t know what sh–is going on, but you agreed to help him.” He said smoking his cigarette, smoothly stopping himself from swearing. “And that should be enough of an answer to show you can‘t refuse. Alpha‘s orders.” Marcel said dismissively.

Winona stared down at the dress, her cheeks burning as she tried her best to protest. “I didn‘t realise it was for me...” She mumbled. llyou will look great in it.” Marcel said confidently, making her blush deeper and become even more flustered. “Now pass this one to Rosaline for me?” He added, not even realising the flustered mess he had left the poor woman in, as he passed her another bag. 2 Well, even I had to admit Marcel was some fine wine, what woman wouldn‘t get hot and bothered? I smirked, finding it rather amusing.

She nodded, looking at me for help. And although I kind of got what was going on, I wasn‘t going to side with her when I thought she sure as hell deserved that dress.

“So, what are these dresses for?” I asked, going over.

“The party tonight.” Marcel explained, smirking slightly. “Party?” Leo asked sharply. “Oh yeah, a party! Me and grandad planned it! It‘s for Azura!” Corrado gushed. “I want you to look pretty in that dress Winnie! You helped us too!” “Did she now.” Leo remarked, his voice sounding deep and rough, as

Winona lowered her head apologetically. I couldn‘t help but smirk. “What‘s wrong? Never been to a party before?” I taunted him.

“Only the ones I need to.” He shot back.

“Well, you need to come to this one.” Marcel added. “It‘s for Azura, I don‘t need to, I agreed to come to dinner... not to a party.”

Corrado turned, his smile vanishing as he stared at Leo.

“Daddy...” “You won‘t come, Weo?” I asked, turning to him and giving him the best innocent face that I could muster, 2

I so hoped it worked... Please do not be immune like Mama!

He looked at me as I stared back doe–eyed, my lips set in a downwards pout.

His eyes flashed as he narrowed them.

“That doesn‘t fucking work on me.‘ His arrogant voice came through the link.

Damnit.

‘Oh? That‘s ok, because although I‘m never enough for you, I seem to be enough for your body.‘ I taunted, my innocent expression replaced by a seductive one. I slowly ran my tongue along my lips, smirking when he swallowed, his gaze dipping to my lips. His nostrils flared and his eyes flashed. See?‘ 4 I turned my back on him before he could even reply.

One point to me! 1 “Winona, show Azura to one of the rooms upstairs so she can get ready too. We don‘t have long, and I know women take pretty long.” “Right away, Alpha.” Winona smiled, before she took my dress bag from Marcel and motioned for me to follow.

I didn‘t bother looking back at Leo, feeling his gaze burn into me before I left the room. I wasn‘t sure why Marcel was throwing this dinner party, and although I had made it clear to him earlier that Leo wanted nothing to do with me, he didn‘t seem to get it... Well, there was nothing I could do about that I guess.

I will just enjoy all the delicious food tonight and not think about anything else.

Winona instantly forced me to go shower, saying I had paint all over, which I did.

In the shower alone, my mind drifted to everything else that was going on.

Judah was gone, Song was safe, although she was still recovering in the hospital.

I felt light, relieved, and content.

He would never be able to bother.me again. I felt relieved that he was gone. Everything would be ok now, right? 3

I guess... after the visit to Alejandro‘s pack, I would return home... Which meant before I left, I would need to ask Leo what he wanted to do regarding the baby...

Did he want to set up a day every week or month that he wanted to see him or her?

Then again, he‘s a busy man...

What should I do? I mean even though he didn‘t want me in his life, I wanted him in this child‘s life.

When I was younger, I always used to say that once you mess with the devil... there‘s no escape ... but it was obvious if I wanted him, I was going to have to be the one to break down those walls... Do I want him? 2

He can go fuck himself. 4

Ass.

I sighed, running my hand over my stomach, I could feel the slight curve to my stomach now. If it hadn‘t already gotten out by now, I guess it would have any day now...

I stepped out of the shower, drying my hair with a towel before I wrapped it around myself and entered the bedroom. My face lit up when I saw Song, sitting on the bed as both she and Winona stopped talking, turning and looking at me. “Song!” I rushed over, pouncing on her and crushing her in a hug. “Hey, owow...”

“Shit sorry I forgot your hurt!” I quickly got off her, only for Winona to chuckle. “Well, I‘ll leave you two to it, Alpha Marcel needs me downstairs. Someone will pop in to do your hair and make–up soon.” She said with a small smile.

“My hair and make–up?” I asked. She paused at the door and looked over her shoulder at me. “Of course, Alpha Marcel insisted that you have everything you need.” 1 The door shut and I looked at Song, planting my hands on my hips.

“What were you two discussing?“.

“I don‘t know, but... check the dress out...” She tilted her head towards the bed next to her, and my gaze fell on the top dress bag.

Unzipping it I stared at the stunning dress that was inside. Somehow… This didn‘t feel like just any ordinary dinner party.

Hmm, what was Marcel planning? He and Corrado, together thrown in with Winona, meant trouble. And although the Westwood Devil could handle trouble… I wasn‘t so sure about a cherub, an angel, and an

alpha with a wish... A

Goddess these three really were trying to get Leo and I together.... I tilted my head, an idea popping into my head. Well, even if they were just hoping for something that would never happen, I couldn‘t throw out the chance to torture Leo. I mean sure, I wasn‘t as hot as Nikki, but thanks to the mate bond, he was attracted to me. “Oh, you‘re up to something...” Song replied, smiling slightly. “Hmm maybe...” “Tell me what‘s going through that naughty brain of yours...” “I‘m just thinking I might take a note out of Mama‘s book, and show Little Alpha exactly how a Westwood woman rocks the colour red… 8

Tonight, I plan to be the devil in red, and I will make the most of the mate bond to mess with him.

Oh Little Weo, you are so damn screwed.