Page 126 of Retribution

The three of us talk until Leila wakes up and there’s a knock at the door.

“Back to work I go,” Lucas says, popping a mint into his mouth. Rubbing Leila’s tummy, he grins down at her. “I’ll see you later, alligator.”

“In a while, crocodile,” I finish. “Be good, you two. I’ll swing by to check on you later. Unless you need to use the restroom, Isolde? Then, I’ll get my baby snuggles.”

“Suck up,” Lucas says, standing.

Paula waits at the door as he opens it, and he nods.

“I came to have lunch before I ate someone,” he confesses.

“Then they’ve all dodged a bullet,” she says patiently. “Ready?”

“I am,” he grunts, walking out the door.

“Actually, can you hang with her while I run to the bathroom?” Isolde asks, standing.

“Oh, you don’t have to ask,” I say, picking up Leila. She makes an adorable face, and then lets out a horrible sound as she fills up her diaper. “Ugh. It’s fine, you were waiting just for me, huh? Go on, Isolde. I got it.”

Bringing the bag closer to me, she pulls everything out so it’s in easy reach and lays down the changing pad.

“May the odds be with you,” she giggles. “Sorry, I really have to pee!”

Isolde escapes out the door, and I kiss Leila’s nose before laying her down on the changing pad.

“Just you and me, kiddo. Let’s do this.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Isolde

I’m destroying the end of my braid, my fingers tearing at it as I walk to the restroom. I feel so overstimulated, but not because of Leila. She’s an angel baby.

No, my issue is the way people keep poking their head into the doorway of the room I’m in andstareas if I’m a circus animal. It would be different if they said something, but they all walk away whispering to each other.

It feels gross and violating. I haven’t said anything because Lucas would “handle” it, and I know that human nature can cause people to act in ways they wouldn’t normally. I don’t want to be responsible for his protective instincts coming out.

Grant checked on Leila and I often today, making me wonder if he could feel any of my anxiety. It didn’t seem like he could, mostly because I have a feeling he would have said something.

Grant isn’t always the best at being discreet about my wellbeing. He’s a bull in a china shop instead. I’ve been doing my best to block both Lucas and Grant from my thoughts and feelings through the bond. No one talks about how entwined you can end up becoming with your pack once you bond with them.

This is their world, I want to fit in. It’s just harder than I thought it would be.

I finally shut the door when I did due to not being able to handle the stares anymore. I was so overstimulated at the time, and Leila was getting antsy. The poor girl is sensitive to my anxiety.

Leila doesn’t need to be worried about me. That’s my job.

I locked the door since I knew I was going to lay with her on the ground until she fell asleep, but I didn’t plan to fall asleep. Lucas startled me, and my hand went for my knife automatically.

If someone was coming through that door after I locked it, they were going to learn where my motherfucking boundaries are and how dangerous breaching them is.

Now. I just need a goddamn second away from everything.

I avoid everyone as I rush into the bathroom, and find an empty stall. It’s not difficult since it’s currently a ghost town and I do need to pee.

I’m just finishing up and reaching for the toilet paper when the door slams open. I have no idea what gets into me, but I immediately raise my legs as people enter in an attempt to not attract attention.

The doors are completely flush against the hinge and lock in this restroom, which means that no one can see me unless my feet are on the ground. I can see a pair of heels as a woman leans over to check for any occupants before she begins to speak.