Page 29

Azura

“ T ry me.”

His words ring in my head, and I want to. Somehow, I want to blurt it all out and have him fix it. It is weird, the way he makes me feel like I can rely on him. It confuses the heck out of me because I always handle everything myself.

He looks so yummy in that black shirt and grey pants. His toned thighs, narrow waist and those delicious muscular biceps… this guy was born with incredible genes, and those blue eyes… Goddess, never have I liked the colour more. But the way he is behaving is unnerving me…

I can feel his anger. I’m just not sure if it is because I left the room, or fucked up his Delta’s face, or because maybe seeing me injured pisses him off?

Stop kidding yourself, Azura… he marked you, rejected you, and watched you collapse before walking away. The memory feels like a harsh slap in the face, and I break our eye contact, moving away from his touch. I push the painful thought away, and take a deep breath.

“I was in here when I heard two loud bangs, and they sounded a bit weird, so I thought I’d go see if Jackie was okay. I barely got out the door when I saw Emmet storm out their door.…” I nudge him away with my shoulder and slide out from where he has me trapped. “He entered the lift, and I hurried to their door. Jackie opened it, thinking it was Emmet. That’s when I saw that she had a bruise on her cheek and around her neck. It wasn’t even just finger marks. He had dug his claws into her skin. And then… she just asked me not to tell the Alpha.” I turn and look at him. He is standing there, one hand to his chin, the other in his pocket, and he is frowning deeply, obviously wanting me to continue. So I look him square in the eye and carry on, “When I went down there, he was around the side of the building about to go through some door, and I called him. He told me to mind my own business when I confronted him. He got pissed and threatened me. Then I defended myself by losing my shit and attacking him like the psycho I am,” I finish with a shrug.

No reaction. That frown remains as his eyes dip to my forearm, where I am bleeding a little, although it is already healing up pretty well. It isn’t a big deal. If he sees Emmet…

“So, although he’s your Delta, he could use some work…” I mumble as he advances on me but despite the fact that he is oozing dominance and power, it isn’t threatening, even if my heart is racing. I know that is because of something entirely different.

He takes my wrist in his hand before raising it to his mouth, and, to my surprise, he runs his tongue along the graze, sending a riveting jolt of pleasure straight to my core. I know Alpha saliva helps heal faster, but the way he is looking at me is anything but innocent. I yank my arm away, frowning at him, despite feeling my cheeks heat up.

“What are you doing?” I growl. He cocks a brow, taking out a cigarette and lighting it.

“Alpha saliva heals, or don’t you know that?”

“I do, but just because I have a graze doesn’t mean you are going to go around licking it.” I frown, although it left a cooling touch in its wake.

“I saw a cut, and I licked it. End of fucking story,” he growls, smoking his cigarette.

“I have a graze on my ass, are you going to lick that, too?” I shoot back before freezing as his eyes meet mine. You really are the classiest woman in the world, Azura. Is there ever a time I don’t put my foot in my damn mouth?

“Do you want me to?” He replies mockingly.

Leo’s pierced tongue on my ass? Hmm, yes, please. Wait, no. I glare at him.

“No thanks,” I mutter, stalking out of the bedroom. I do not want to be in there when everything that is coming into my head is far from decent. I know I am frustrated, and I always get carried away when I’m overwhelmed. I hear him follow me silently before I turn to him. “So, uh, do you believe me?”

“I can tell when someone lies,” he says simply. “I’ll have someone come to check up on your injuries. Get some rest.” He didn’t answer me… will he do nothing?

“I’m not lying,” I try, unable to hide the frustration in my voice. He pauses, his hand on the door handle, before turning and looking at me, and I know this is my last chance. “I’ve heard of stories where people hide abuse, where even the best of Alphas don’t notice it happening beneath their noses. Women or even men, who keep it a secret because they love their mates too much to let them go.” He turns back to me, watching me with that sharp, calculating look in his eyes.

“Seems like you know someone who has been through that.”

I’m not going to hide it because of my own pride, because if this gets him to see that Jackie needs him, then I am ready to tell him.

“Indigo, my biological mother… she let her mate treat her like shit just so he stayed by her side. She was so blinded that without him, she lost the will to live.” And she didn’t care if I died or lived… I look away from those ice-cold eyes, hating how vulnerable I sound. “I’m just… Jackie is a good person. I don’t want her to go down that path.” I look down at my nails.

He approaches, but I don’t look up, trying to compose my emotions. When he places two fingers under my chin, forcing my face up, our eyes meet.

“Friend, brother, or pack member… if someone is abusing their mate, I will deal with them. Rest assured, little she-wolf. I know you’re not lying. You’ve told me what you saw. Now I’ll handle the rest. Get some sleep once you’re checked over.” He cares for others, but it kind of hurt that he had also hurt me.

This isn’t about you, Azura, but Jackie. I don’t want another woman to become Indigo.

I give a small nod, trying to pull away from his touch that is making my heart pound and head feel light. He refuses to let go, curling his fingers under my chin and forcing me to look at him. He searches my eyes for something before I pull away and turn my back on him. He doesn’t say anything, and I sense him moving away. I can only breathe when I hear the door click shut…

Leo

I leave the room, taking my phone out.

Becky, can you come to the 7th floor of my apartment block? There’s an important guest in the apartment across from Emmet’s. Check her over. She was in a fight and may have a few fractures.

Of course, Alpha Leo. I will be there in ten.

Thanks.

I end the link, looking at the video Eric had sent. From their body language it is clear they were arguing. Then, Emmet grabs her, and my eyes blaze. The urge to cross the floor and rip that door off its hinges and -

Stop . I am thinking like a deranged beast… one that reminds me of someone I hate to the fucking core. Emmet will get what’s coming to him, but it’s too late. I will handle this in the morning.

I hook up her door to my phone, every time she leaves, I’ll know. I think I will pay Marcel a visit. I’m certain he has answers I can use.

Jax, are you there?

Yeah, Alpha, I just got back. Any issue?

I want you to keep an eye on Azura Westwood. She’s on the 7th floor across from Emmet’s place. A slight silence follows as I enter the lift and head down.

Yeah, of course.

No one aside from Winona is to go to her room. Make sure no one sees you, especially Emmet.

Understood, Alpha.

I leave the apartment building, smoking a cigarette as I make my way to Marcel’s, a place I hate going to… I hate the fact that he will always choose them over me. I ring the doorbell, although I know the code. I refuse to walk into a place that I do not consider mine. The door is opened by a shirtless Marcel, a towel around his shoulders. It is obvious he has just showered after his workout.

“Leo.” A smile crosses his face as if he is happy to see me, and I simply brush past him.

“I have a few questions,” I reply coldly, looking at him. He closes the door and nods.

“Ask away,” he says, crossing his arms.

“What’s the story behind Azura Westwood’s biological mother?” I ask. He raises an eyebrow, smirking slightly.

“Why would you be interested in Azura’s life?”

“I’m not, and don’t antagonise me. You already know that she was my mate.”

“Is your mate.” Our eyes meet, and I hold his cold gaze.

“I rejected her.” He looks almost sympathetic before nodding and jerking his head towards the lounge.

“Come on in.” I follow, refusing to take a seat and instead walk over to the window overlooking the front garden as I smoke my cigarette. “I thought Azura left, but I heard not long ago that she’s back?”

“Plans changed. She’ll be leaving soon, don’t worry,” I reply, looking at him indifferently. He nods, sitting down and observing me with a tilt of his head.

“She’s a strong woman with a good heart, albeit a little adventurous. Leo. She’s perfect for you.”

“Yeah, of course. A Westwood can’t be anything but perfect in your eyes. I don’t really fucking care. I asked about Indigo Malone, not if Azura is perfect for me or not.” Marcel sighs before looking at his hands.

“Fine. She had a mate who abused her and cheated on her. In fact, she even miscarried a few times because of his abuse.” So, is that why this situation with Jackie triggered her? Because it reminded her of Indigo? “It was terrible, and when it came to light, Alejandro lost it. Fred was one of his most trusted men, and the fact that this was happening under his nose made him lose it. He made the hard decision to send him on a suicide mission… and he died. Just like everyone knew he would. Alejandro felt the pack link break and Indigo felt the loss of a mate.” I didn’t know that…

“So, Alejandro punished him by killing him off… So ultimately, isn’t he responsible for Indigo’s death? Because everyone knows that not many can survive the loss of their fucking mate.” I smoke my cigarette, raising an eyebrow. Marcel frowns.

“It’s not like that,” he says sharply, but he looks a bit unnerved.

“It fucking is. He ended two lives that day, fuck almost three. A logical person would have put him in prison, not for his sake but for his mate’s. So, the way I see it, this brother of yours has made a lot of fucking mistakes.”

“Everyone makes mistakes, Leo, but Alejandro did it for Indigo, hoping she’d find someone -”

“Did he know she was pregnant?”

“Yes, but that’s -”

“So he still fucking risked Azura’s and her life? Because everyone knows the loss of a mate can fucking break you. She went into that battle wanting to die, right?” He is frowning as he looks at me, almost as if he doesn’t know what to say.

“Can I assume you are worried or angry for Azura?” He is watching me intently.

“Why would I be?” I deny.

This entire conversation leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. There is more to Azura Westwood than meets the eye, and the urge to learn and figure her out is growing. I like puzzles, and she brings a few, the topmost being her fucking ex. I actually want to see exactly what this fucker has that made her fucking date him.

“I’ll be leaving.” I stride to the door when he speaks,

“Leo, take her as your Luna. I assure you she will make you happy, and Corrado loves her already,” he says quietly. I don’t bother turning back or answering. Shutting the door behind me, I leave.

I replay the video once again as I make my way home, not wanting to think about what Marcel said. I watch the clip, seeing her brace her feet on the wall before flipping over and landing behind him. Damn, there is nothing hotter than seeing a woman kick ass. I am unable to stop the smirk on my face as she knocked Emmet to the ground. He is a cocky shit, so this is fun to see. I should ask her for a sparring match, I’m sure that would be pretty interesting…

Pocketing my phone, I head back. Emmet will meet me in the morning regarding the shipment anyway, and I don’t want him to be on alert when I question him. I want to know his fucking side, and then I’ll be the judge.