Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire novel Chapter 55

55. A Mama

AZURA.

It was the following day and after a restless night, I had gotten dressed in blue jeggings and an oversized white top. Leo had just popped over, saying it was time to talk to Corrado. There was something different about him, but I couldn‘t pinpoint what it was. He was wearing a white tank top and grey sweats. His hair was a sexy mess and it was obvious he had been running his hand through it a lot, and he looked a bit pale. But there was something else...

Did he even get any sleep? He had first taken Corrado to the garden, and I had seen him crouching in front of him and, from what I could make out, apologising for last night. Corrado had stood with his arms crossed, looking displeased, before hugging him and smiling.

Children really were so innocent...

They came in soon after, and Leo looked at me.

“Shall we?”

“Sure.” I said, turning away from him and allowing him to lead the way.

“It‘s so fucking hot.” Leo muttered as the three of us headed to the lounge. 4

‘Have you even planned what we‘ll say?‘ I asked him through the link. I really didn‘t want to do this, but I knew for Corrado I would. At least he was letting Corrado know that he would be a big brother, despite not really seeming to care about seeing this baby again.

No.

I frowned slightly but said nothing, not knowing how this was going to play out. I shut the door behind us, the airy room making the sounds of our heartbeats sound even louder.

I didn‘t respond as I crossed my arms and Leo sat down, making Corrado stand in front of him.

“Daddy, why are you so serious?” He asked worriedly.

“There‘s something that I need to tell you.” ‘You or we?‘ Leo looked at me and I stared back emotionlessly. If he wanted help, he would have to ask for it.

‘We‘

It felt like an eternity, the pain and intensity of his gaze made me look away first.

“There‘s something that the both of us want to share... but I need you to understand ok...”

“Ok Daddy.” He said, looking up at me. “Did you and Azura make up?”

“Make–up?” Leo raised an eyebrow. “Because last night you argued.” He stated.

I felt awful, so even this kid picked up on the fact something was wrong. 2

Nice going.‘ I said icily.

Leo didn‘t respond.

“This is about something else.” “Oh...” He was clearly disappointed, and I couldn‘t help but go and sit next to Leo for Corrado, but I made sure there was a gap between us.

“Azura is having a baby.” Leo said hesitantly, for once Mr smartass obviously didn‘t know how to go about this. “000.” Corrado said, turning and staring at my stomach. “But Azura, your belly isn‘t big... Where is the baby?”

“It‘s still little yet.” I replied with an amused smile, he really was such a cutey.

I saw Leo massaging his neck as Corrado‘s face fell. “Where‘s the baby‘s Daddy?” He said before looking at Leo worriedly. He stepped closer to him. “Can we still keep her? Please Daddy, you can be Azura‘s baby‘s Daddy and I will be a good big brother! We will take care of her!” He whispered. 2 This was going to hurt him... Did we need to do this?

“Corrado, it‘s....No, we can‘t.” Leo placed his hands on his shoulders.

Corrado‘s face fell, and he looked absolutely devastated. Leo glanced at me. A silent request to help.... If it didn‘t involve this cherub, he could have gone to hell.

“Come here.” I said, smiling gently at the child, forcing myself not to let my emotions show. I reached for him, and Corrado shuffled towards me looking confused. ‘You really don‘t know how to do this shit.‘ I shot through the link.

Heck, even I don‘t know what to do. “Corrado, this baby is your Daddy‘s... which means you ARE going to be a big brother.” I began, realising no matter what angle we did this from, it was going to hurt him.

“I‘m going to be a big brother!” He gasped, his eyes widening before they sparkled with excitement. “Daddy! I‘m going to have a baby brother or sister!” He exclaimed, looking at his dad excitedly.

“Yes, you are kid.” Leo replied, smiling faintly at him as he ruffled his hair. “So Azura and the baby can come live with us. The baby can share my room!”

Yeah, explain shit to him now. Our eyes met before he looked at Corrado, but when I thought he‘d be able to explain it he simply looked away frowning.

“Corrado.” I reached for him once more, and he looked up at me with even more adoration than before.

“Yes, Azura?”

“I won‘t be staying here; l‘ll be returning to my own pack... but I promise you I will send you lots of videos and pictures? And we can video call and visit. I promise.” I explained, my heart breaking as I watched the little boy crumple before me. His excitement dissipating, and it was replaced by sheer sadness, his eyes glistening with tears that now began welling up in his eyes fast.

“Why?” He whispered, raising his fisted hands to his eyes as he began crying. “Doesn‘t Azura want to be my Mommy too? I promise I be good. Does Azura not love me? I won‘t ask for anything Azura. I promise I‘ll be a good boy.” 120

I couldn‘t stop my own tears from streaming down my cheeks as I dropped to my knees in front of him and hugged him.

“No baby it‘s not you… I promise I love you so so so much.” I whispered, my voice breaking.

“Then why won‘t you be my mommy, Azura?” He sobbed.

“Corrado... enough. Come on.” Leo‘s voice came, thick with emotion as he pulled Corrado from my arms even when I didn‘t want to let go of him.

“But Daddy...” “That‘s an adult decision, Corrado. Azura is leaving tomorrow.” He said quietly, before he stood up lifting his son into his arms and walking away. He paused at the door and glanced back at me; the look of regret was clear in his eyes.

I could hear Corrado‘s sobs as he asked what he did wrong.

“We have to go to Azura, please Daddy... Don‘t let Azura go. Don‘t let our baby go away. I be a good big brother Daddy. I promise...” 8 Corrado‘s words broke my heart, and they were the only thing that I could focus on as I knelt there, silently crying my heart out.

‘Doesn‘t Azura want to be my mommy too?‘ I clamped my hands over my mouth to stifle my sobs. I couldn‘t breathe properly… The pain was almost suffocating me. Of course, I wanted to be your Mommy, I would have been the happiest person in the world, as would this baby to have you in our lives...

Then why don‘t you fight for what you want, Azura?

I froze, staring at the floor in front of me, suddenly feeling cold at my own question.

Why don‘t I fight?

Because it just hurt too much...

Maybe I wasn‘t as strong as I always thought I was...

Since when do I cry over something?

Fight for what you want.

I ran my hand through my hair, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Leo was giving me whiplash... but... When I stormed off last night, he came after me. Maybe he

just needed some time. It was like at the same time he was telling me that he wanted me, only for him to then push me away. Why?

Maybe there was more to it, but it was hard for me to think past my anger

Look harder...

Not everything is as it appears...

Dante‘s words returned to me, and I knew that whatever he said, always meant something.

Look harder...

Was I missing something?

Was there a reason for Leo‘s hot and cold attitude?

Goddess!

What should I do? “Corrado!” Leo‘s voice came and I heard the front door slam shut. I stood up rushing to the window, only to see Corrado running down the lawn as fast as he could and I frowned, my heart breaking for his little soul.

Even when Leo picked him up and his little fists pummelling his shoulder, I was still unable to let it slide.

Fuck this, for Corrado and this little one. I suddenly felt as if I had been hit with a clarity. 3

I knew what I needed to do... Even if it wasn‘t going to be the easiest. I ran from the room, and out into the front garden.

“Corrado!” I shouted, running over to them. 1

He turned, looking at me with his tear–stained face.

“Azura...” I held my arms out to him, ignoring the spark that rushed through me when my arm brushed Leo as he held his arms out to me.

“It‘s ok kiddo... you can keep me... I will be your mama if you want me to, because I really do want to be your mama too.” I whispered, hugging him tightly. 11 I heard Leo‘s heart race and sensed his intense gaze upon me, but I ignored him as Corrado hugged me tightly. His tears soaking my shoulder. 1 “Promise Azura?”

“I promise.”

I promise on everything I have. I don‘t care what Leo thinks or what I feel...

I didn‘t know how, but if it meant making a child happy... a child who I was lucky enough, to want me to be their Mama, then I would sacrifice my own ego for him... Because no child should feel unwanted, especially by those they love. 22