Pregnant And Rejected

Chapter 174

Sophie

Lila is sprawled on the sofa in our apartment in Asphodel, flipping through Drake’s photo album. There used to be a time when that album filled me with jealousy. Half of it was occupied with photos of Selene – when she was pregnant with Lila, the early days after the pup had been born. Now it fills me with longing. I want a pup of my own so badly, a dream I never even realized I had until Drake claimed me as his own.

I haven’t confessed this dream to my mate yet, but I know he wants the same thing. He’s been endlessly patient with me, taking every new stage of our relationship one step at a time. One day soon I hope to share this secret with him, but I’m still finding my feet in the new order of things.

As nervous as I was to be given the responsibility of caring for Selene and Bastien’s daughter while they’re away, I’ve come to adore Lila, and even catch myself practicing my own mater nal skills on her. I’m not sure if Drake knows this is the reason I ve been so eager to spend time with her, but he’s more than willing to indulge me either way.

“What do you want to do today, Lila Bean?” | ask, coming to sit beside her.

“I wanna go shopping!” She informs me happily, kicking her pint-sized feet back and forth as she lies on her belly.

“Shopping?!” | exclaim, not the least bit opposed to this idea, “What kind of shopping?”

“For gwocries.” Lila answers promptly. “I wanna cook like ! do with Mommy.”

Of course, I think with resignation. She wants to do the one thing I’m truly terrible at. No matter what Drake says, I know I’m a horrible cook. Thankfully he hired a real chef for Selene’s cafe and re-appointed me as the business manager, otherwise the restaurant would have gone under months ago.

“Alright!” | agree, “But you don’t get to be mad at me when the food doesn’t taste like how your Mommy makes it.” I cau tion the toddler.

“Don’t worry.” Lila giggles, “I show you how.”

For most pups this would probably seem like an over-abun dance of confidence, but Lila knows exactly how well I can cook, and she’s right to think she can do a better job. Poking my head into Drake’s office, I tell him where we’re headed. “Lila and I are off to the store.”

| planned on ducking in and out, but to my surprise, Drake rises from his desk and comes to take my hands in his, “Oh? | was thinking about getting a sitter and taking you out tonight.”

“Really?” | flirt, fluttering my lashes, “because that would probably save us all from food poisoning.”

light-heartedly, “I believe in you even if you don’t, you can be a good cook

I don’t care enough about cooking to put in the effort.” I confess, “if we ever have kids, we’re going to

a wide smile, “Is that something you

begin in a teasing tone, “most couples dis cuss this sort of thing

I love you more than I love some imaginary future. I want whatever life you’re willing to

that to me when there’s a pup in the

utters with a grin,

low growl and catches my chin, turning my face back to his and claiming my lips despite my protests. When we part a few breathless moments later, I add. “We’re going gro cery shopping. You and

his mark and swiping his tongue over the pink scar, “But do me

my head to the side, I agree with mild confusion, “Okay, would you like something to

I need.” He grins wolfishly, kissing my nose and giving my waist a squeeze.

sud denly liking the idea of staying put much more than I did a

 you do.” Drake informs me with a sultry stare. “I have very

happily, I do as he says, packing Lila into the car and whisking her off to the grocery store. In addition to the items my mate requested, we picked out chicken, strawberries and carrots for Lila’s dinner. It was an odd combination, but it was what

laid out the carrot sticks. When the chicken was finally done cooking and – to my amazement – actually smelling appetizing, we let it cool before Lila cut it into bite sized pieces too. When her plate was finally ready, brimming with all the foods she’d specially requested, she

the dirty dishes to

want dis.” Lila

you mean lovey?” | ask patiently, “We made this just for you, it’s

want it.” She repeated, crossing her plump

spun slightly, but I reminded myself I was dealing with a toddler – logic wasn’t on the table. “Honey, we went shopping for these specific things, you helped make it and

it.” Lila

did you ask for it?” | murmur,

Lila insists, pouting

I try to conjure a

I try to imagine how difficult it must be for her to be away from both of her parents right now, and

exactly what she wanted and it still wasn’t right! I cooked successfully for maybe the first time in my