Chapter 16 - Laila
Laila stared at the face on Tolliver’s phone screen. Her eyebrows were furrowed in concentration as she studied the cold, calculating eyes staring back at her. Jonas Mercer. The name didn’t even sound familiar. But she must have interacted with him at some point because he was hellbent on finding her since she escaped his first kidnapping attempt. She pressed her lips together, wanting to remember him.
Tolliver loomed over her with his arms folded over his chest. “Take your time,” he said. His voice was softer than usual, but she could feel his tension and watchful gaze as he waited for her to answer. Sitting in one of the chairs surrounding the dining table, she glanced up at him.
“I’m sorry. I just can’t remember ever seeing this man in my life.”
“Try again. Take another look at him.”
She heaved a sigh and fixed her gaze on Mercer’s photo. No matter how hard she wracked her brain, she got nothing, but she didn’t want to disappoint Tolliver. Tilting her head, she hummed, “Hmmm… Well… he does look like this one guy I went on a date with a few years ago.”
Tolliver went stock still. “Date? When exactly was that?”
She shrugged. “I don’t remember exactly when. I mean, it was pretty insignificant.”
“I wouldn’t call a date insignificant, Laila,” he bit out.
She scoffed at his scathing tone. “You can’t possibly be jealous.” She looked up at him for confirmation. When his eyes skated away from hers, and his eyebrows dipped into his signature scowl, she shook her head. “Unbelievable. I barely even considered it a date; I just agreed to get a coffee. So, I say it was insignificant. I bet you dated tons of girls after you broke up with me.”
She eyed him with mixed feelings. On one hand, thinking about him with another woman made her want to wolf-out and snap someone’s neck. On the other hand, it was understandable if he did have a string of lovers. Look at him; he was drop-dead gorgeous, charming, when he wanted to be, and wealthy. What warm-blooded female wouldn’t swoon at his feet and dive into his bed?
“I told you, I haven’t touched another woman.”
“Right…” She had never known Tolliver to be a liar but was still skeptical. He had been a chick magnet before he claimed her as his mate. “And I didn’t lie when I said I wasn’t intimate with another man in five years, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy a couple of lackluster dates.”
A muscle ticked in Tolliver’s jaw as he drew out the chair next to hers and sat. He tapped his phone screen. “Was any of them with this guy?” His tone dripped with disdain that made Laila roll her eyes.
“While he kinda looks like the one guy I mentioned, it isn’t him. I might not remember the details, but his name was not Jonas Mercer, not even close, and he wasn’t as handsome.”
“Handsome?” Tolliver scoffed. “For fuck’s sake, Laila, the man is a sick, twisted monster, and you think he’s handsome?”
She glowered at him. “I know he’s evil. Commenting on his looks doesn’t mean I’m gonna marry the guy. Relax, Tolliver!” She shook her head. He’d been wound up so tight since he got home that she feared he might snap in two at any moment. Tolliver had never been laid-back, but his tense energy lately was out of control.
He took a sharp breath, running a hand over his face as he forced himself to calm down. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ve just been on edge with everything going on. The thought of this guy targeting you and not knowing why is messing with my head.”
She softened as she studied him. He looked exhausted. She bet it was from hours glued to his computer. He got home hours ago, but he’d been locked up in his home office, delving into Jonas Mercer.
“Me too,” she admitted softly. “I’m being targeted by someone I’ve never met. It’s confusing, to say the least.” She squinted at the picture again. “Really, Tolliver, I don’t know him.”
To lighten the mood a little, she reached over to place her hand over his. He stiffened as he stared at their connected hands but instantly relaxed. “I know you, Tolliver. I know how your brain works. Your control freak ways make it hard for you to accept not knowing Mercer’s motives or where he is. But I need you to take it easy before your poor brain explodes. I need you fully intact to help keep me safe, after all.”
The glint of humor lighting her eyes made him smile. “My brain has come close to exploding a few times in the last few days. You’re right, I’m going to take a breather.”
“Good. And I’d better not catch you pouring over any more CCTV footage tonight.”
Tolliver smirked, leaning in just enough that she could feel his warmth. His voice dropped to a low, playful murmur. “Well, I’ll need something else to keep me occupied then, won’t I?”
Her brows shot up, but the spark in her eyes didn’t fade. “Will you?”
“Absolutely,” he replied. “So, if you’ve got any suggestions for how I might spend my night... I’m all ears.”
Laila almost melted on the spot under his smoldering gaze. She was weak to him—there was no point denying it. She knew she’d find herself in his bed again tonight. Why fight it when she always had a hell of an amazing time there?
***
Laila gripped the edge of the bathroom sink so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She took a few deep breaths, hoping to stave off another wave of nausea. The sour taste of bile lingered in her mouth. She had just thrown up her breakfast for the third morning in a row. It was a pattern she couldn’t ignore anymore, especially after realizing that she’d missed her period.
It wasn’t just the nausea. Her senses had begun to sharpen in subtle, unnerving ways. After tapping back into her wolf, she identified the changes much easier. Shifters could detect changes in their bodies sooner than humans could. Though she’d barely let herself acknowledge it, she knew what the symptoms meant.
She was pregnant.
The word alone sent a chill down her spine. She looked up to stare at her reflection in the mirror. The color seeped out of her face, making her as white as whipped cream. The thought of whipped cream brought on a fresh wave of nausea, and she drove toward the toilet. After hurling again, she sat on the floor and rested her head on the edge of the bathtub.
Groaning, she said, “You have epically screwed yourself, Laila.”
Correction Tolliver screwed you… many times. Her wolf’s words echoed in her mind, followed by a low, teasing chuckle.
“Shut up,” Laila hissed. Since her wolf reunited with her mate and had crawled out of the dark corner she’d been hiding in, she was sassier and more talkative than ever. For Laila, it was like having another personality dwelling in her mind—a more sarcastic, bolder, and foul-mouthed personality. Her wolf sent her an image of an eye roll at the reprimand.
There was a time, years ago, when Laila dreamed of having a family. After solidifying her mate bond with Tolliver, she had looked forward to them eventually having a cub or two. But now… sweet mother of stress. Being pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, who had slipped into the role of casual sex buddy, was not conducive.
She swallowed hard, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen. How could she possibly raise a child with Tolliver when they could barely sort out their own tangled past? How could she bring life into a world where they didn’t know where they stood with each other? She closed her eyes, fighting back the sudden sting of tears. There was only one solution at the moment… not telling him. There was too much going on to have that awkward conversation with him.
Taking a shuddering breath, she scrambled to her feet. She couldn’t lose her shit now. Tolliver was waiting downstairs, and he was super observant. He’d take one look at her and know something was wrong. Fortunately, she had a little more time to hide her pregnancy from him. In a few weeks, his shifter senses would sniff out the changes in her body, but at least that gave her a little time to figure things out.
After a quick shower and a little pep talk in the mirror, she headed downstairs. Tolliver waited for her in the living room. He already had his leather jacket on and held his keys. “What took you so long?” he asked. “I thought you wanted to get to Mrs. Oswald’s cafe before the morning crowd.”
“Erm… I…”
His eyes narrowed on her. “Are you okay? You look pale.”
See? Not much got past him. She would have a hard time hiding her pregnancy from him. Maybe if she avoided him, she’d buy herself more time. That wouldn’t be hard to do. They hadn’t slept together since last week after Tolliver showed her who the mastermind was behind the crazy breeding-ring. He’d been wrapped up in work, and she had been distracted by running her bakery via telephone.
“I’m fine,” she replied, avoiding his gaze. “About the cafe… Let’s skip it. I mean, we’ve already had breakfast.”
“You were adamant about getting coffee.”
She shrugged. “I’ve changed my mind.” Should pregnant women even drink coffee?
Studying her with a small frown, he said, “Okay, then why are we bothering to go into town?”
“I need to see Elena. I mean, I need to visit her shop.”
“What do you need at an apothecary shop?”
“Geez, Tolliver, what’s with the interrogation? I’m not one of the bad guys you and your team have apprehended.”
He blinked. “I didn’t mean…” Holding up both hands in surrender, he said, “You know what? Forget it. We’re not arguing over something crazy. If you want to visit Elena’s shop, it’s none of my business. Let’s go.”
“I don’t want you to go to the shop with me.”
“Fine,” he sighed. “I’ll drop by the office.”
“Okay.” Grabbing her coat, she shrugged it on and brushed past him. “Oh, and let’s forget about the motorcycle ride, too. I’d feel better in the car.” Riding on his motorcycle, pressed so close to him, wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.
“It’s a morning for you to change your mind, it seems,” he grumbled.
“It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, Tolliver,” she snapped and walked through the door. She instantly felt bad for her tone. He had done nothing to deserve her attitude. Inhaling deeply, she turned to him as he joined her outside and locked the door. “Tolliver, I’m sorry for snapping like that. I’m just… in a strange mood this morning.”
As his eyes moved over her face, she didn’t miss the softness and affection in them. She might be hesitant to jump back into a relationship with him, but he didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her. Maybe she should tell him about the baby…
No. She should confirm the pregnancy first and get advice from someone who knew Tolliver even more than she did—someone who was a mother. Confiding in Tolliver’s sister might be weird, but Elena was her only friend in Bellefleur.
“It’s okay,” he said. “We’ve both been on edge.” He gestured for her to move down the porch steps.
They walked to the car in silence, but Laila could feel Tolliver’s eyes boring into the side of her face. She didn’t dare look his way, fearing he’d see right through her and know she was hiding something. She avoided all communication with him until they were in town. Tolliver parked in front of Elena’s shop, which was thankfully open. He moved to open his door, and she asked, “Where are you going?”
“I’m walking with you inside.”
“There’s no need.”
“Laila…”
“The town is already busy. I know everyone here. I’m not likely to get snatched walking a few feet from your car to Elena’s shop.”
He swallowed his protest because she was right. His overprotective streak got the better of him sometimes. “All right. I’ll be right down the block at HQ. If you want to come by later, feel free. Ryder and Zach would love to see you.”
Laila ducked her head. Hanging out with Tolliver’s friends might dredge up too many memories, so she might skip the offer. “Maybe,” she murmured.
“If you’re leaving the shop, let Elena walk with you.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not five.” That got her a pointed look from him, and she sighed. “Fine, I’ll have her walk with me.”
“Good.”
She knew his eyes were on her as she got out of the car and walked away because she could practically feel their intensity on her back. As soon as she stepped into the shop, she spotted Elena behind the counter. She had her head down, and her auburn mane hid her face.
“Elena.”
She looked up, and instantly, her face lit up with a megawatt smile. “Laila! This is an unexpected surprise. I thought my brother had you locked up at the mansion.”
Rolling her eyes, Laila walked to the counter as Elena stepped around it. After they shared a hug, she said, “He tried, and he failed. I’m very stubborn.”
“Good, my brother needs your brand of trouble. He’s way too uptight.”
A genuine, soft smile spread across Laila’s face for a moment. She and Tolliver were polar opposites, and she supposed that was why they worked so well together… back then. As soon as the stark reality of her current situation seeped back in, she glanced over her shoulder and through the big glass window of the shop.
Tolliver watched them for a moment until he waved. When they waved back, he drove off, and Laila let out a long breath and turned back to Elena. “Elena, I’m deep shit.”
“Ah, ah, language,” Elena whispered, hiking a thumb over her shoulder.
Laila’s gaze landed on an adorable little girl with curly hair slightly lighter than Elena’s sitting in a playpen. That was the only thing she’d inherited from her mother. Her facial structure and hazel eyes screamed Ryder Pierce. She was like a mini female version of Tolliver’s best friend.
“Oh my, gosh.” Laila covered her mouth. “I had no idea she was here.”
“She’s like a parrot,” Elena said. “We have to watch what we say around her.”
“Elena, she’s so adorable.”
“Thanks. You finally get to meet Elise. She’s two already. Can you believe it?” Elena looked at her daughter with stars in her eyes. “She’s such a daddy’s girl. She’s got Ryder wrapped around her little finger. Tolliver, too.” She chuckled. “Her uncle spoils her rotten.”
At the mention of Tolliver, Laila’s chest tightened. She could imagine how much he doted on his niece, just as he’d always doted on Elena. He was a good man, and deep down, she knew he’d be a great father, but she couldn’t shake the fear she had of starting a family with him.
“Laila, are you alright?” Elena asked, gazing at her with furrowed eyebrows. “You seemed miles away just now.”
Blinking, Laila shook her head. “I’m fine. May I hold Elise? She’s just so darn precious.”
“Of course.” Elena opened the door, and they both stepped around the counter.
Elena lifted Elise from the playpen and handed her to Laila, who cradled the little girl in her arms. She felt an unexpected surge of warmth spread through her chest. Elise’s tiny fingers grasped at her shirt, and her hazel eyes were wide as she studied Laila with curiosity only a baby could possess.
“Hi, Elise. I’m Laila,” she cooed.
Elise blinked and then said, “Lala!”
That sent Elena and Laila into a fit of giggles.
“From now on, you will be known as Aunt Lala,” Elena stated as she prepared the cash register.
Laila smiled, her heart softening as Elise nestled against her shoulder. She was relieved the baby was comfortable with her. A mix of emotions rushed through her, hitting her all at once. Holding Elise felt almost surreal. It made her feel the reality of her situation in a way she hadn’t fully absorbed this morning. She might as well get used to holding babies since she had a bun baking in the oven.
“So,” Elena began, glancing at Laila. “You seemed a bit panicked when you came in. “Did something happen between you and Tolliver? Is my brother driving you crazy?”
“Something happened between us, all right.” Laila sighed. “Something big… huge . Well, it will be in a few months.”
Elena was about to start wiping down the counter when she froze. Whipping around, she observed Laila through squinted eyes. “That sounds like… wait, I’m not going to say it. You tell me.”
Laila’s teeth sank into her lower lip. She glanced at Elise and then back at Elena. “I’m going to have one of these in about eight more months.” She pointed at Elise.
Elena’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets as she gasped dramatically. She then let out a squeal that was loud enough to shatter eardrums. Even Elise lifted her head to give her mother a bemused look. “Holy crap! That’s exciting news, Laila. I never expected that grumpster Tolliver to give me a niece or nephew any time soon. I’m so happy for you guys…” Her words trailed off, and her excitement dimmed when she noticed Laila’s horrified expression. “It is good news… right…?”
When Laila just continued to stare without a word, she muttered, “Uh oh.” She took Elise from Laila’s arm and put her back in the playpen. A toy quickly distracted Elise, and Elena led Laila over to a corner.
“Spill,” Elena said softly, her excitement tempered with a touch of concern. “What’s going on? Are you… not happy about this?”
Laila let out a shaky breath. “It’s not that I’m unhappy, exactly,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just never imagined I’d be in this position with Tolliver. We’re not together. We’ve just been…” Telling Tolliver’s younger sister that her brother had become her sexy buddy was beyond awkward.
“Say no more.” Elena shook her. “I really don’t want to know what my bother gets up to in that department.”
“He doesn’t know I’m pregnant.”
“When are you going to tell him?”
Laila’s eyes lowered to the floor, and her face flushed. “Well…”
“No. Laila, you can’t keep this a secret from him. That’s impossible. Every shifter you encounter will sniff out your pregnancy in a matter of weeks.”
“I know.” Laila covered her face and groaned into her hands. “I was hoping you could help me with that.” She glanced around the shop that had all sorts of potions and herbs.
Elena backed away. “No way. I can’t use magic to help you keep this major secret from Tolliver. He’s my brother. I can’t lie to him.”
“I hate asking you to do this. I know your loyalty is to Tolliver, but I…” Her voice cracked. “I’m terrified.”
Placing a comforting hand on Laila’s arm, Elena said, “There’s no need to. Tolliver will be over the moon. I’m sure of it. Whether you’re together in the romantic sense or not, he’ll step up to the plate and take responsibility. He’s a good man.”
“I know he is. That’s not what I’m afraid of.”
“What’s the problem, then?”
“He left me.” Laila shrugged, an air of sadness enveloping her. “Being rejected by your other half like that is one of the worst experiences a shifter can go through.”
Understanding flickered in Elena’s eyes. “I know,” she replied softly.
“I don’t want to go through that agony again. As much as I still have feelings for Tolliver—I doubt they’ll ever go away—I don’t want to put myself in a place to get hurt again.” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “I’d never keep his child away from him, but right now, I just need to come to terms with my emotions and the situation before I have to deal with having the conversation with him. I hate putting you in a position to hide something from your family, but I need your help. I don’t have any other friend here…”
“Oh, Laila…” Elena blew out a resigned breath. “Of course, I’ll help. I’ll keep my mouth shut for now.”
“Thank you. This might sound silly because my shifter senses couldn’t have been that off, but can you help me confirm the pregnancy?”
“It isn’t silly, and of course, I can. We also need to get you started on proper prenatal care. Things are a little different for shifters than humans. I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”
For the first time since she made the discovery about her pregnancy, a wave of relief washed over her. Thank the gods for Elena because Laila was absolutely clueless when it came to shifter pregnancies.
“Before we get started with all of that, can I offer a word of advice?” Elena asked.
“Sure.”
“I know you’re afraid because you’ve been hurt before, but don’t let the past stand in the way of the chance of something amazing in the present.”
Laila stared at her, considering her words. Many times since she and Tolliver united, she’d wanted to throw caution to the wind and jump into a full-blown romance with him. Still, she had every right to be careful.
“I’ll try,” was all she could say in response.