Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire novel Chapter 118

118. Her Struggle

AZURA.

We ring the doorbell and it’s opened by Mishiko, the smell of home-cooked pizza wafts past my nose.

Oh, damn, this smells so good!

“Damn, who’s cooking?” I say, rubbing my tummy. Mishiko smiles.

“Sera.” She replies, stepping aside and letting us enter.

“Are Ace and Jin here?” I ask as Leo brushes my wet locks off my face. My hair still isn’t dry from my shower.

“Yes, we are.” Ace says popping his head through the door.

“Self-invited.” Kareena says, cocking a brow pointedly at Ace.

“You practically keep my woman half the time, so I’m welcome.” He says dismissively, and Sera frowns at him as Kareena’s brows furrow and she disappears back into the kitchen.

She looks awful, her shoulders stick out like blades, and she’s lost a lot of weight.

But before I can worry about anyone else, I have a bone to pick with my mate. I place my hands on my non-existent waist and glare at Leo.

“Where’s Jax and Li Sheng at?” Jin asks.

“We never knew this was a party.” Dan remarks.

“Whatever… So, there was an entire party going on here and if I didn’t ask to come along, you would have eaten pizza without me?” I ask Leo accusingly.

“No, seriously, I didn’t fucking know all these bastards were going to be here.” Leo says and I give him a dirty look.

“I don’t care if you did or not, you should have invited me.” I grumble, making Ace smirk.

“Answer to the missus now Leo.” He says, but I get distracted as I spot Kareena through the archway to the kitchen.

She’s alive… but empty, and suddenly I see someone else in her. As she slowly runs her finger along the counter, her eyes cast downwards and her dark brown locks fall in front of her face. My gaze dips to her stomach. She’s not as big as me but she’s showing a lot now…

My heart thumps, and Leo looks at me sharply as I’m suddenly enveloped with emotions I can’t control. My eyes sting with tears and I quickly glance towards the stairs.

“I need to wee.” I say, grabbing the banister. I’m barely two steps up, when Leo grabs my wrist.

“Let the woman at least go to the bathroom.

She’s already ready to pop.” Sera scolds Leo, but he doesn’t let go of me.

‘Azura.’

I know I can’t hide anything, and I slowly look down at him. Our eyes meet and I know he knows what I’m thinking.

‘That baby… is just like me Leo… only Indigo didn’t want to live for me… She’s trying… and I really hope that Kareena continues to fight.’ I say through the link.

‘She will.’ Leo says, tugging me into his arms. I turn to my side, wanting to feel him completely against me, something that isn’t completely possible with my belly right now.

No one says anything and when I finally look around, I realise the hallway is deserted. I’m grateful for their consideration. I close my eyes, resting my head against Leo’s chest.

We will get Kareena into a better state of mind…

The doorbell rings and I slowly move back when Mishiko comes out of the lounge, and goes to open the door for Jax and Li Sheng.

“I brought beer.” Jax says, holding up a few cases.

“Great.” Mishiko smiles, letting them come in, and Li Sheng closes the door behind them as we all head to the living room.

It’s about an hour later and I think we all enjoyed our pizza. Whilst the men now drank the beer, as they also criticise the taste, Jax included.

Kareena has been silent, although she did talk when she was asked a question, but for the most part she didn’t contribute much. I observed her as we ate, seeing the way she was forcing herself to eat.

She is trying… she’s trying for her pup… I saw the way she caressed her stomach, the pain that glimmered in her eyes before she’d lower her head…