Alpha Leo and the Heart of Fire

Chapter 130

Beautiful Bond Ch 3. Jealous

“No.” Leo says firmly from where he’s standing with his arms crossed, leaning against the door.

I nod in agreement, trying not to stare at myself in horror. Azura glares at us both.

“Why? I did really good.” She says, frowning as she holds the blusher brush in her hand. It’s Corrado’s birthday today and Azura was adamant to get me ready herself. She looks stunning, with sultry shimmery make-up and glossy lips.

“She looks like a h*oker or something.” Leo frowns, making me look down, ashamed.

Azura narrows her eyes. “You never have an issue when my make-up is dark. Do I look like a h*oker to you too?”

Obviously not, but you’re mine.” He replies possessively, and I wonder if I should sneak away and wash this all off whilst they are eye-s**xing each other…

“So now you’re going brother mode or something?” Azura isn’t happy, and I take another peek in the mirror. Red lipstick, soft shimmer on the eyes with a smoky black liner… It’s so much darker than I’m used to! And for a kid’s party? She chuckles and I look up. “Or protective son mode?” She snickers. 1

“Baby Girl, wipe that s*t off her face and let her f*cking just be her normal self.” He says. 2 © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“No, the aim is to get Daddy Marcel all hot for the s*xy Nanny.” She states, making me stare at her –

mortified. 5

That makes it sound so much worse!

“F*cking hell.” Leo groans as he comes over and pulls her into his arms.

Ok time to make my exit!

1

I smoothly get off the stool, I’m just about at the door, safety within my grasp when Azura shouts out.

“You are not to remove that makeup!” She says firmly. “Luna’s orders.”

“Yes…” I say disappointed as I glance at Leo for help, but he’s far too busy checking out her boobs in that strapless sky-blue dress.

I smile despite my own dilemma; they are a perfect couple. I quickly exit trying to not blush at their

intimacy.

“And go put that dress on!”

I wince at Azura’s command and sigh. I didn’t want to stand out, but I can’t refuse a Luna’s orders.

It’s a while later and music is blaring in the garden that is decorated in dark blue, white, and silver. The birthday boy is wearing blue jeans with a white shirt that matches his father’s outfit. Phoenix is wearing a sky-blue party dress. I myself am wearing a shimmery white dress that Azura had purchased for me, but it’s got these tiny straps that make me scared they will snap. It’s sticking to me like a glove and the push- up strapless bra is making me indeed look like a h*oker!

I haven’t dared step out into the open, keeping myself busy and hidden away.

“Winona, that’s all the food done. Can you please be a dear and take this last tray?” Rosaline asks me, passing me a silver platter to put on the buffet table.

Now I need to go out there….

Taking a deep breath, I step outside and carry the large platter full of grilled kebabs to the table. Placing it in its slot, I bend down to check that the heat is on low beneath it when I feel someone watching me.

My heart thunders as I slowly stand straight and adjust the lid. The wind blows my hair over my shoulder, and I slowly brush my hair over my shoulder trying to keep it from blowing all over the place.

I should have tied it up! I did, but Azura had made me open it.

“Need a hand?” A deep voice makes me jump and I gasp when my behind knocks into someone. A large hand touches my shoulder, and I can’t help but bite my lip as ripples of strong pleasure course through me. He slowly brushes my hair back, his fingertips grazing my neck and I feel dizzy.

I slowly tug away before I end up sighing in approval. I turn to face him, my breath catching in my throat. He’s in grey pants and a white shirt that has a few buttons open. His hair is pulled up into a man bun and I almost drool, quickly shutting my mouth that had formed a small 0.1

“Thank you, Alpha.” I say, tucking my hair behind my ear, but his eyes aren’t on my face but raking over my body before he looks away frowning slightly. Did I do something wrong?

I won’t lie, I was expecting a compliment, but he just seems… angry.

This was a bad idea.

“Marcel.” I turn when Kristina, a she-wolf who is in her mid-forties, comes over. She’s gorgeous, tall, and curvy with stunning red hair. She had lost her chosen mate a few years ago. I know she’s been somewhat of a friend to Marcel, but for the first time when she wraps her arms around him giving him a hug, I feel a flare of jealousy rush through me. It appals me at how angry I feel, not missing how she leans into him. before he steps back, giving her a small smirk.

“Who’s this?” She says. Clearly, she doesn’t recognise me.

“Hello, Kristina.” I say, and her eyes widen.

“Winona!” She says, looking surprised, but I can’t focus on her, but on her hand which still rests on Marcel’s arm. 2.

Move your hand, please.

I wish I’m brave enough to say that out loud.

“Excuse me.” I say, and she gives me a nod before turning to Marcel.

To my dismay, I can’t bring myself to walk too far off, trying not to get worked up as she carries on talking

to him.

“You’re going on holiday again?”

“I am. I think I could use a break.” Marcel says quietly.

A break from my weird behaviour. I can’t linger any longer and slowly move away, but not before I hear her reply.

“Well… if you want a plus one for the trip, you know I’m always up for one of those.” Her words are extremely low, but I heard them, even over the music.

It takes my all not to get upset and turn around. For a second I feel an intense stare on me, one I know belongs to Marcel, and I keep walking.

“I’ll be sure to let you know.” I hear him reply.

She’s a strong female… and more suited to him.

I take a deep breath and smile as I look towards Corrado and Leo. They are the ones who gave me life. Today is Corrado’s special day and I will not walk around moping and let anything dampen my spirits. Especially not a mate who is out of my league.

They all look gorgeous as they take pictures in front of the balloon arc. I look around, seeing that some of the balls have spilt out of the ball pit where some of the kids are playing.

Walking over to it, I crouch down and collect them all up and drop them back into the ball pit.

I smile, watching the children tumble and crawl around amongst the balls and I watch them for a couple of moments, before glancing over at the huge bouncy castle that the older kids are jumping on. That’s when I spot a small group over at the dessert table.

I go over to the chocolate fountain to help a few of the children who have gathered around.

“Ok line up, everyone will get a turn.” I say, pulling on some latex gloves and picking up a wooden stick.” What would you like on yours, Lucy?”

“Oh, can I have a strawberry, two marshmallows, and a br*wnie please?” She replies as Corrado hurries over and joins the queue.

“It’s your birthday, Corrado. You can go to the front.” One of the older pups offers and I smile. They are respecting their future Alpha.

“Oh, it’s ok I’ll wait my turn.” He says politely. He’s such a well-mannered child, he’s beaming happily, and I can tell he’s enjoying his party.

“No no Corrado, you go first!” Another child says, and he finally agrees, hurrying to the front. I pass Lucy her stick with a paper plate beneath it and I pick up another stick for Corrado.

“Can I get some strawberries, some waffle… a profiterole and a br*wnie please Winnie?” He beams.

“Of course, I get to work and once I’ve dipped it under the flowing chocolate, I sprinkle it with a dusting of blue and gold edible glitter.

“Here you go, birthday boy.” I smile, kissing his forehead gently.

“Oh thank you, Winnie, you look so beautiful today.” He compliments me seriously. I smile and thank him before getting back to the rest.

I’m stuck there for far longer than I expected. Those who finished their sticks come back for more.

“More!”

“Me too!”

“Can I get a br*wnie? No three of those, please.”

“Thank you!”

“One mini donut too!”

I work as fast as I can and I look over at Azura hoping she’s ok with Phoenix. I need to put her down to nap soon.

When the last child rushes away, I let out a soft breath, brushing my hair back with my arm. I have just taken my gloves off when a familiar scent fills my nose.

“Are you still serving? Because I think I could do with some chocolate.”

I turn, remembering what Kristina and he had both been discussing and look up into those warm

chocolate-coloured eyes. I still feel a bit salty.

“Yes of course.” I say, picking up a glove.

“I’ll take one of each.” He says as I begin to put the glove on. “You don’t need to wear gloves, Winona.”

I pause, placing it down before I take up the stick.

“I guess so since you didn’t mind lick…” I turn away quickly, realising what I was about to say.

“Mind licking your finger?” Marcel finishes for me as his arm reaches over and I almost drop the stick, only for his hand to close around mine.

“Someone might see…” I find myself blurting out as I look up at him, my eyes widening as I realise how close he is.

“Does it matter? Because I’m not ashamed of anyone seeing us… are you?”

He looks down at me as the wind makes my hair fly everywhere, but this time, I’m not able to brush it back. I feel lost in his gaze. The music fades away and for a moment it’s just the two of us.

‘No.’” I whisper, my heart thundering as I realise what I just said.

“Oh yes, Marcel…” Someone trails off, and reality comes crashing down and I quickly pull away, turning my back to them, my heart thundering. I hear Kristina stop a few feet away and when she steps closer to Marcel, I decide it’s time I leave.

“Excuse me.” I say, turning and walking over to Azura, who is rocking Phoenix. “Hey, shall I take her for a nap?”

Azura looks at me before nodding. She’s analysing me but I smile politely, and she passes her to me after kissing her cheek. “I’ve fed her, so she’ll just need to be put down.”

“Understood,” I reply and head inside, away from the merriment of the party. I hurry upstairs and place Phoenix in her cot. She’s already drifting off, sucking on her hand and I watch her, humming softly before I slowly remove her hand from her mouth. Her eyelashes flutter but she simply licks her lips and yawns.

That’s our little princess….

I switch the monitor on and leave the room. I have barely shut the door when I knock straight into a wall of steel.

“Ow!” I gasp, feeling the sparks rush up me.

Marcel…

“You left rather fast.” He says, steadying me by my elbows before crossing his arms.

“I came to put Phoenix down for a nap. Excuse me, you should go out. I’m certain you will be missed.” I whisper, walking past him.

He c*cks a brow and when he grabs my elbow pulling me back in front of him, my heart thumps.

I disrespected him but I don’t even know why I said it, it stung seeing him and Kristina together.

“Winona…

“Yes?” I ask, looking up at him as I try to remain emotionless.

“Why do I sense that you’re angry?”

I stare up at him. “I’m not.” I lie.

He looks amused, and that only annoys me further. I make to walk past him, when he grabs hold of my

wrist stopping me once more.

“One more thing.” I don’t look back, refusing to humour him. “You look beautiful.” 12