Page 140 of Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire
“It doesn’t really matter.”
Wow. I nod, trying to fight my emotions as I slowly pull away. His words hurt… he doesn’t even want to be a part of this baby’s life…
“Okay, whatever,” I say, wading through the water to the edge of the pool. I am about to pull myself out when his arm snakes around me from behind, and his hand rests on my stomach.
“Even if I’m not around, I’ll make sure you and our baby are taken care of,” he says quietly, caressing my stomach gently. These emotions… these tingles… I tense when his lips brush my shoulder, his hand slipping my strap that had slid down, back up. I scoff, glad he can’t see my tear-filled eyes.
“Yeah, I’m sure you would, but don’t bother. The Westwoods don’t need your charity. No one needs a father who isn’t there for them. Maybe it’ll be easier just to tell my baby that you’re dead,” I say coldly, pushing his hands away from me. His heart is thudding, but I don’t care if my words fucking hurt him. I want them to hurt him just the way he hurt me.
He doesn’t reply, and I place my hands on the edge. I am ready to pull myself out when his hands grip my waist, lifting me out. I don’t look back as I get to my feet, walking away with whatever confidence I can muster, not once looking back…
Goodbye, Leo.Just tomorrow night, and we will be going our separate ways…
I return to the party, feeling so many eyes on me. Well, I can’t blame them; I am dripping wet. Song runs over the moment she sees me.
“Zu!” She stops, whispering a spell, and I feel an intense cold surround me, and then a tingle before I look down. My dress is completely dry, but my hair is still soaking and completely straight once more. “Come on, I can quickly fix your make-up before dinner is served, and we can get your hair dried… I wish I had some of my crystals…” she says, smiling gently, almost as if she knows what I am feeling. Only the strongest of witches can do many spells without crystals, herbs, and engravings. Those at the level of Delsanra Diana Rossi, Raihana Somers, and the high witches of the coven.
I nod, not arguing, as I allow her to lead me away…
She has begunworking on my hair, and I don’t speak. I don’t say anything. Just her silent comfort is enough. After she has fixed my make-up, we return to the garden. Nikki is nowhere in sight, and I really don’t want to see her anyway.
Marcel calls me over to sit with him, but I refuse to be anywhere near Leo for any longer than necessary. I am relieved that Marcel doesn’t push it when I decline. I force myself to eat, and I do my best not to even look at Leo. He has changed out of his wet clothes and is now in a pair of jeans and a grey shirt. Corrado is sitting at Leo’s table, and I can hear him asking why I’m not there. I’ll miss him too… will he ever get a chance to play with his sibling?
Eric, Jackie, and a few other pack members are at our table, but I can barely focus on anything, whilst Song keeps them occupied enough for no one to bother with me.
I learned from Song that Jax had left shortly after Nikki, and she wasn’t sure about anything else. Well, I sure hope that Marcel does something about it because I’m not so sure Leo would. Okay, maybe he would since he did put his best friend into prison, but still. I will make sure Winona gets justice. No one should have to suffer at the hands of another like that. I plan to fill him in on what happened after the evening is over.
Raj, the Beta, comes over to congratulate me on the baby just as dinner is finished. He has his mate, Kesha, and his seven-year-old daughter, Katrina, with him.
“I really am pleasantly surprised to learn who you are, so once again I would like to welcome you to the pack,” he says. I shake hands with both him and his mate whilst smiling at their daughter, who seems to be an innocent soul. Then again, never trust kids… she shies away, hiding behind her mama. I give her a wave before turning back to Raj.
“Thank you, you were polite and welcoming even then,” I reply simply. It isn’t like I am here for long anyway. Once they move away, Song gives me a small smile.
“You okay? Wait, dumb question,” she murmurs, shaking her head.
“I’m fine,” I reply, my eyes looking around the garden at thepack members. Somehow, I feel comfortable here. I have gotten used to all of them. A life that isn’t meant for me. I exhale slowly, placing my hand on my stomach.
Give me the strength to remain strong…I am a fighter, not someone who succumbs to another.
“Zu…” I turn to her, my eyes flashing silver with a surge of strength and confidence.
“I’m fine, Song. Stop stressing. I may not have a crown, but I’m a fucking queen, and I sure as hell can handle anything that comes my way,” I reply, frowning deeply, my eyes blazing. I am, and I am not going to let anyone break me. She smiles.
“That’s the Westwood Devil I know.”
I give her a smirk just as Marcel stands up. Winona hurries over to him, passing him a box before Marcel takes it and turns to everyone.
“Azura.” I turn my attention to him as his eyes find me, and he smiles. “I just want to say thank you for being here with us tonight, and gracing us with your presence -”
“Yes, thank you, Azura!” Corrado adds. “We love having you here!” Several people chuckle as Marcel lifts his grandson into his arms.
“I’ve loved being here, too,” I reply, trying not to get emotional. I will have to break his heart, too… I can see Leo sitting there like the arrogant jerk he is from the corner of my eyes.
“Then stay forever, okay? You won’t even have to cook,” Corrado offers, smiling brightly.Sorry, baby, I can’t promise that…
Marcel’s smile falters, almost as if he can read my expression. I force a smile, but the moment he returns it with a sad one of his own, I know he knows. Knows that I’m not going to stay…
“Thank you for everything,” he says quietly. Our eyes meet, and I don’t reply, breaking eye contact. He looks down at the box Winona has brought and opens it with one hand, placingCorrado down as the little boy peers into the box.
