Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire

Chapter 61

61. A Mansion full of Rossis

AZURA.

The journey had been pleasant despite feeling a little nauseous at times, I wouldn‘t have changed anything about it. Leo‘s constant touches, the way he caressed my thigh, the way he tilted his head as he drove, giving me the perfect angle of that sexy jaw of his; or the way he looked at me... well, I couldn‘t focus on anything else much.

But there was one thing that really got to me. It was the tin of cookies that Jackie had given me. There inside, was a small square of paper with the words ‘read when alone‘ on it, tucked under the first layer of cookies.

I had been curious, but with Leo being so sharp, I had snuck the note into my boot to check later.

Song, me, and the twins had texted a little too, and both the twins had been disappointed that they were at the academy. As for Song, she had a die–hard crush on Rayhan for ages.

Well, that wasn‘t anything to be surprised about. He was damn handsome, and the majority of the girls at the academy were smitten with him. Rayhan was much like the Arden twins. All were rich, sexy, and powerful, although those brothers had been abroad for a few years. With Rayhan being here in the country, we heard of him often, and then there was the fact that he was mated. There was just something about wanting something you couldn‘t have, that was enticing...

Sky used to even sell his pictures, which she would take sneakily, for pretty high prices, and the girls would happily buy them, as well as a couple of the boys.

The moment he stepped out of the mansion, I heard Song gasp, squeezing my arm.

She sure had a strong grip!

But it was Leo who had my attention. His entire body tensed, and his eyes seemed to become far colder than I had ever seen them. His aura was raging around him and even Corrado looked scared in Alejandro‘s arm, clearly sensing the tension.

I reached out, wrapping my hand over Leo‘s larger fisted one, and it felt like something snapped between the cousins, and Leo looked at me.

‘You got this.‘I said, as he slowly took my hand, giving it a squeeze.

Rayhan walked towards us, glancing at me and giving me a small smile.

“Hey Azura, it‘s been a while. How have you been?” He asked, stopping beside Alejandro. “I‘ve been great. How are you?” I asked, feeling my cheeks heat a little under his gaze.

Dammit Azura, focus.

Yup, he was damn handsome…

“Yeah, fucking focus.‘ Leo‘s cold voice came through the link, giving me a pointed look. I slammed my walls up thinking I did not need Leo to know that I did find his older cousin pretty handsome... Can you blame me? He was absolutely yummy. Ok Leo was yummier and way sexier, but that did not take away from the model–like God in front of me.

Urgh, focus girl.

So, my mate had, or shall I say has, a crush on that bastard?‘ Leo the ever–smartass, remarked.

Was I that obvious?

He wasn‘t looking at me, but I wasn‘t sure if he was annoyed or not... Well, I sure hoped not. But I guess if he had a crush on someone I disliked, I wouldn‘t be happy.

‘Hey, I liked him when I was like ten, he was my first crush, and it was just a silly little girl‘s fantasy.‘ I retorted.

His eyebrow shot up, his eyes flashed steel blue, and I kind of think I made it worse.

‘Don‘t blame me, it‘s the damn Rossi gene. Maybe it was because he looked a lot like my future mate?‘ I tried, putting on my best innocent face. “Wait, are you jealous?‘ I taunted.

His frown deepened and I realised I really was making it worse.

“Rayhan! This is Song, my friend...” I said, pushing Song forward, hoping Leo didn‘t push it.

She gave me a glare, her face on fire as Rayhan gave her one of his charming smiles.

“Nice to meet you.” He replied in his sexy melodic voice, taking her hand and giving it a kiss.

Song squeaked, and I couldn‘t help but chuckle.

“I don‘t get what the fuck girls like about him.” Alejandro grumbled. 5

“No kidding.” Leo growled as Rayhan smirked and looked down at Corrado.

It was obvious he wasn‘t as snarky as the other two alphas.

“Hey, what‘s your name?”

“Corrado, Corrado Herrmann Rossi.” Corrado replied, watching him curiously.

“Nice to meet you, Corrado Herrmann Rossi.” Rayhan gave him a wink, before turning his attention to Leo. Tension seemed to settle between them.

“Leo... Good to see you.” Rayhan said, offering his hand to him.

“Rayhan.” Leo‘s voice was cold as he took the offered hand.

They exchanged a shake before Leo let go pretty fast. I didn‘t miss the small soft smile on Rayhan‘s face, but he masked it fast, before Kiara clapped her hands.

“Shall we head inside, I‘m sure everyone must be hungry.”

“Oh yes please, Azura Mommy will be happy with a nice meal.” Corrado declared as Alejandro put him down, and Kiara held her hand out to him, which he took happily.

“He sure knows you can‘t fucking cook” Alejandro snickered, and I pouted.

“This kid.” I sighed.

Kiara looked at me curiously and i knew it was because of what he called me. Her eyes that were now poking out at me, said enough.

I motioned with my eyes that I‘d tell her later, and she gave me a small nod, smiling slightly.

We all headed inside, and Leo brought up the rear, I felt him hesitate as we crossed the threshold, and I slowed down falling into step with him.

‘You did great.’ I murmured through the link, slipping my hand into the back pocket of his jeans,

He looked down at me,

‘Hmm… but I ain‘t letting that shit from earlier slide.’ He said icily, and I cocked a brow.

‘Shall I start looking into your past and at every single woman you ever had a crush on? Bet they all had big asses and big boobs, right?‘ I countered, suddenly feeling very possessive.

‘Don‘t really know if I can even class them as liked, because it sure as fuck doesn‘t even make a dent in comparison to what the fuck I feel for you.’

Oh fuck... He sure knew how to make a woman wet...

My heart was thundering, and I didn‘t even realise we had stopped, until Leo‘s hands grabbed my ass and yanked me against him.

“Fuck you‘re just so damn good with your words...” I grumbled.

“I‘m just fucking honest.” He said, and I squeezed his ass as I tilted my head up.

“You know, you‘re way sexier?” I whispered, trying not to focus on how my body was reacting to him.

Our eyes met. That sizzling chemistry raging between us made it hard to breathe, but I didn‘t care, and when he leaned down, his tongue flicked out. I caressed it with my own, feeling my pussy clench.

Oh fuck...There was just something so damn hot about this...

I slipped my hand out of his pocket, wrapping my arms around his neck, as Leo captured my tongue in his mouth, kissing me hard. I sighed softly, kissing him back, we were lost in one another, until someone cleared their throat.

I pulled away, much to Leo‘s irritation as he turned and gave the smirking Alejandro a scathing glare.

“Don‘t tell me you‘re lacking that much action that you need to watch the fucking show.” Leo said coldly, his hand still around my waist.

“Oh far from it, I don‘t call Amore Mio, Nympho for nothing. I just never knew you two were fucking together.” Alejandro countered cockily.

“Fucking together...” I smirked, knowing he didn‘t mean that in that way.

Both men looked at me before Kiara came out into the hall.

“Come on guys, have some refreshments before lunch.”

“Great.” I said, reluctantly pulling away from Leo and sauntering over to Kiara.

I could feel her watching me as we walked side by side, but she said nothing, and for a moment I wondered what it was, considering she wasn‘t smiling. She looked... concerned.

Could it be that she had already sensed Leo‘s health issues?

It was a short while later, and we were getting ready to have lunch. Kiara had gone to check up on the food that she had prepared, and I really couldn‘t wait to eat! She really was one of the best cooks in the world. I would have gone to help her too, but I didn‘t trust leaving Leo alone here with them. He needed me.

Corrado was playing in the garden with Alessandra. Despite her grumpy personality, she had still given him some colouring books and crayons, whilst she sat on the garden steps and read her book.

The lounge was a little tense, with Leo sitting silently, his exterior ice–cold. Song and I were talking to Alejandro, with Rayhan adding to the conversation here and there. I think by now he knew that Song got a little jittery around him, but he was as smooth as ever and didn‘t make it obvious or put her on the spot. I think he was used to it.

“So what the fuck were you doing at Leo‘s pack? This ain‘t got anything to do with the same shit when you told me to watch the girls right?” Alejandro asked Leo. “It‘s dealt with.” Leo replied, frowning slightly. “Good to know, not going to share what that shit was about?” Alejandro asked, observing the three of us.

“It‘s not necessary.” Leo countered, his arm going around my shoulders once again.

My heart raced, and I could feel Alejandro‘s eyes on us again. “So, when did you two figure your own shit out?“‘ “Is that any of your fucking business?” Leo shot back, raising an eyebrow. “If I make it my business, it fucking is.” Alejandro replied with a cold smirk. Rayhan smiled slightly, clearly amused. “It‘s like I‘m seeing double.” He remarked. 5

“I totally agree. Right down to the tattoos and all.” I snickered, earning a look from Leo. “We are nothing alike.” He growled icily. Alejandro smirked. “Deny it all the fuck you want.” He said, taking out a cigarette pack and offering Leo.

It was almost like a test, refusing it to prove you‘re not like him... But I also knew Leo was a stubborn ass, and ignored him. I reached over instead, taking one from Alejandro.

Leo cocked a brow as I placed it between his lips. “Don‘t be stubborn.” I murmured, as Alejandro tossed me the lighter, I caught it and flicked it on, bringing it to the edge of the cigarette. Our eyes locked and my heart thundered at how incredibly smoking hot he looked...

Goddess...

I pressed my thighs together and Leo smirked slightly, his gaze dipping to my chest for a second before he looked away, taking a long drag of his cigarette. His arm that was around me loosened slightly, and he began tracing circles on my shoulder teasingly, sending delicious

tingles through me.

“As much as I‘m enjoying the bonding, we do have a guest present who can‘t heal from all the second– hand smoking.” Rayhan remarked lightly. The patio doors were wide open, but he had a point. Song smiled slightly, and I swear I was not going to let this go. Oh girl I‘m teasing you for forever!

“I’m ok.” She said blushing so much.

I just wished Skyla was here to tease her.

“Kiara will heal her.” Alejandro offered, with a sinall grin at Song, as if that made everything alright.

I shook my head

And that was why Rayhan was swoon–worthy. But I couldn‘t deny, it was the bad boy with a‘ devil– may–care‘ attitude next to me that turned me on. ‘Keep looking at me like that baby girl, and I will fuck you until you can‘t fucking walk.‘ His animalistic growl came through the link.

The idea wasn‘t bad... and I suddenly remembered Jackie‘s note.

“Be right back.” I said softly, kissing his lips.

His hand twisted in my hair, and he kissed me back before letting go of me.

‘You‘re up to something.’ He said through the link, as I got up feeling his eyes on me.

He somehow made me feel so damn sexy...

‘Not really.‘ I lied, leaving the room.

I hurried to the bathroom and took my shoe off, emptying it and picking up the small square piece of paper that fell out.

Frowning, I opened it and read it.

‘Leo is unwell. Please get the queen to try to heal him. Only you can do this.‘ I stared at the paper, my heart thudding, and I realised this was probably what she had wanted to talk about at the party. She had said something about doing the right thing and breaking promises...

Goddess, she was such a good friend who actually cared for Leo.

Now the tin of cookies made sense.

I guess she didn‘t trust my phone because Leo was so tech–savvy. I reached into my pocket, wanting to call her and thank her, but I realised I had left my phone in the car. I slipped the note into my pocket instead and exited the bathroom, walking down the hall slowly. She was going through so much, yet she was still being damn strong. She was Delta material.

I paused, mind–linking Leo.

‘Want me to tell Kia?‘ I asked. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Silence followed, before he spoke after a few moments.

“Eine, but I don‘t want anyone else to know.‘ His voice was quiet, and he had his emotions masked, so even I didn‘t know what he was feeling.

‘It‘s going to be ok.‘ I said, but the fact that he didn‘t think Kiara could heal him, ate up at me.

It was scary to know that this may not work, but I refused to let that thought get me down.

I entered the kitchen to see Kiara sprinkling some flaked chocolate on the trifle bowls, whilst Claire, one of her housekeepers, was placing dishes onto a tray to take to the dining room.

“Hey Claire.” I said, smiling at lier.

“Hello little miss, it‘s lovely to see you again.” She replied, giving me a jolly smile, before she bustled out of the room with the tray laden with food.

They were getting older, but it didn‘t deter them from keeping the job. “The food smells too good.” I said, inhaling deeply. “Thanks. So you two worked it out?” Kiara asked with a smile and eyes that

screamed ‘details!‘ “Yeah...” I said, trying not to blush as I remembered last night. “Yesterday actually...” “Ah, that explains the incredible glow, first I thought it was just the pregnancy.” She teased.

I pouted.

“Something like that...” I walked over to the counter and leaned on it opposite her, as she placed the dessert bowls onto the tray. “I mean, I found out the reason he was refusing me...” Her smile faded, replaced with concern as she watched me. Goddess, this was hard... “He‘s ill Kia... Thanks to Endora... He‘s dying.” I said softly, looking down at the counter, unable to look her in the eyes. My voice sounded far more vulnerable than it was meant to.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she reached over, cupping my face.

She forced me to look at her.

“We will fix that, he isn‘t going to die.” She said, her voice full of confidence and determination.

I nodded… unable to tell her that he may not be able to be healed by her... I knew if I voiced that fear, I‘d end up crying. “He doesn‘t want everyone to know, so if you could try to heal him when we‘re alone.” I requested quietly. She nodded, walking around the island and giving me a tight hug. “Don‘t give up hope, Zu.” She comforted me softly. I nodded, finding comfort in my sister‘s embrace, when a powerful aura suddenly filled the room, and a deep, husky voice interrupted us. “Am I intruding?”

I pulled away, turned, and stared at the tall, muscular man in the doorway. I wasn‘t expecting him to be here... 6

He was just an inch short of seven feet, dressed in a pair of jeans with a black T–shirt and jacket. He had a head full of black tight glossy curls, an angular jaw, and plump lips. A Rossi through and through. A pair of shades covered eyes that would be a deep red. Something he wore the majority of the time, as rarely anyone could bear to look him straight in the eyes. Even with the amulet of concealment

around his neck, his aura was exceptionally powerful and intense, different from any other I had ever felt, even making Leo‘s and Alejandro‘s pale in comparison. The pull that came from him offered calmness and strength. There was just something different and otherworldly about the being before me, something that made you want to lower your head and submit. Something I‘d never admit of course, I mean I won‘t bow to that giant shrimp! I‘m a full day older! But this was the feeling when you were in the presence of the one and only demi–god himself. 13

A small smile crossed his lips, and I knew behind those shades he was looking right at me.

“Hey, my temperamental miracle.” 23