Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire novel Chapter 72

72. From His Lips AZURA.

His words cut like a knife. I more than anyone regret my time with Judah, but as a careless eighteen–year–old, he seemed to have understood me... I was the misfit, the odd one out, the freak... When I met Judah, it just felt like he didn‘t care about my past. He welcomed me into his arms with empty promises, and I fell for it.

“Azura!” Leo called, but I sped up, heading to our bedroom.

I broke into a run, entering the room, I ran straight to the bathroom. Locking the door, I stepped into the shower, switching it on making sure that my walls were up

“Azura.” I heard him trying the door, and I took a slow breath, wanting to sound normal.

“Yeah?!”

I heard him sigh, “Are you ok?” No, I‘m not “Yes, can a girl shower in peace?” I replied, feeling my emotions ready to spiral.

Everything that was happening was my fault, I get that... but he had tried so hard to make me believe that it wasn‘t my fault, but what he said now... Did he even mean it? Deep down he probably felt that it was my fault.

I kicked off my sneakers, slowly stepping under the cold water of the shower.

“Alright... don‘t take too long. I didn‘t mean what.”

“Like I said, can a girl shower in peace?” This time my voice sounded cold.

“Not when she‘s pissed, when a woman says she‘s fine she isn‘t.” 1

“Wow you‘re really so smart, aren‘t you? Give yourself a pat on the shoulder for figuring that out.” I growled, giving up on hiding my emotions. He didn‘t respond, and I leaned against the shower wall, sliding to the floor fully clothed. My white shirt was stuck to me as the cold water drenched me.

My fault...

Time and time again, I messed up and others got hurt.

I wrapped my arms around my legs, resting my forehead on my knees, feeling my tears on the verge of spilling. The last few days were already so hard... Seeing Kareena in that state, I was racked with guilt.

The run–in with Nikki earlier didn‘t help either…

(FLASHBACK).

I had just purchased some flowers, deciding to stop at the graves on the way back from seeing Kareena. Eric and Jax were with me as Leo wouldn‘t let me wander alone. I looked down at the graves after laying the flowers on them, silently apologising once more.

A shadow fell over me, blocking out the sunlight, and I tilted my head to look at the woman who was standing there.

What are you doing here?!” Nikki shouted, for once she was without makeup, her eyes puffy

and the hatred in them clear.

“Nikki. You are speaking to your Luna.” Jax warned, stepping in front of me defensively.” Leave.”

“This is my sister‘s grave!” She hissed venonjously.

“Nikki –” Eric began.

Frowning I stood up from where I was crouching, placing my hand on his shoulder. “I‘ll handle this.”

Jax shook his head, “I don‘t think that‘s wise, let‘s get you home.”

I raised an eyebrow, “Both of you, step aside.” My voice was clear, and Jax frowned as Eric slowly backed off. “Jax, let me handle this. Stay, just don‘t speak.”

“Sure, so he can report back to his Alpha.” Nikki said, “The one you stole from me!”

I clucked my tongue, shaking my head. “No, he was mine, he was always meant to be mine. You were just there, I‘m the one who belongs with him. When will you let that go, Nikki? Look ... Let‘s not do this at her grave.”

She let out a bitter laugh “Are you for real? You actually care? Or pretending to care! You‘re the reason she‘s dead! Deny it all you want! Everyone knows that the man who killed her was your

ex!”

How had that even gotten out?

“Hey! Keep it up and I am not afraid to have you tossed in prison Nikki!” Jax growled, grabbing her arm.

“Do not manhandle a woman!” Nikki shouted.

Jax scoffed. “For real? You‘re a warrior, not a weak, innocent woman. Take her, Eric, put her in for a day. I‘m sure Leo won‘t mind.”

“Just remember! Once more it‘s our pack who suffered! For an entitled princess like yourself! You killed her! You killed my baby sister!” She screamed as Eric tried to drag her away, clamping his hand over her mouth. 4

Her words hurt but she was hurting too... I stayed quiet because ultimately, she was a member of this pack... My pack. “Eric. Let her go.” I commanded as Jax looked at me sharply. “Jax... I‘m the future Alpha‘s mate ... My word holds more power.” I knew I shouldn‘t use that on him, but I didn‘t want more drama.

He shook his head clearly pissed when Eric let go of her.

“Leave.” Eric warned her, she glanced at both Jax and I, before she ran off. 2

Jax kicked a rock on the floor. “Leo is going to be pissed.”

Shaking my head, I sighed. “No, he won‘t because he won‘t know. He already has enough on

his plate, he doesn‘t need extra. Leave it be. No one is to relay this to him. Am I clear?”

Eric looked down at his hands. “I understand that Luna... but she needs to be punished.”

“I agree.” Jax growled.

I shook my head. “Not this time.”

(END OF FLASHBACK)

How many more would lose their lives because of me? I would be a fool to think no one... I wish I could heal Leo already. If I wasn‘t pregnant, I would have gone after Judah myself.

The door clicked open, and I turned sharply to see Leo enter, his eyes instantly landing on me.:

A warmth spread through me, and I could feel my wolf fighting me as she wanted to give in to him. It was at times when we were at odds that I noticed her more. His embrace was comforting, and there was nowhere else I‘d rather be than in his arms.... But...

Maybe...

He smirked, his fingers brushing my cheeks as he gazed into my eyes. “So, I take it that every time I piss you off, you‘re going to call me an old man?” “Yup, and make many more voodoo dolls. Just wait till I get that staple gun...” I glowered at him, trying to ignore how damn good he looked.