Page 79 of Retribution

“I do. I figured out how to fix that,” he says,

“I don’t think leveling it is the answer,” I chuckle. I’ve heard the guys say that this is something he wants to do several times.

It feels like too grand a gesture for me.

Leila makes a little sigh as she sleeps in my arms, her lips pouting as she dreams. God, she’s so cute. I even love the little drool she has on the edge of her lips.

The second I saw her, I felt that she was mine. It was this moment of feral, raging need to keep her safe. I don’t know that I believe in maternal instinct, as my own mother didn’t really have much of it. However, I know that I want to give her everything I can to make her happy.

“Well, maybe it’s not the answer today,” Lucas says cryptically. “I have lots of land, and I want to have a smaller cottage built in the backyard. It’s beautiful there in the spring. It would keep us closer to you, and when you’re there, we’d live there with you. That is, unless you kick us out. Either way, it’s yours.”

“You’re making me a tiny house?” I ask, shaking my head.

“No, nothing like that. It’s a do it yourself house where everything snaps together. All you have to do after is have electric and plumbing installed. I have Grant working on logistics now.”

I continue to blink at him uncomprehendingly as he pushes a bowl of yogurt, strawberries, bananas, and granola closer to me. He offers me a bottle of honey, and all I can do is nod as I attempt to process his words. Lucas drizzles a healthy amount over his concoction and slides his coffee over the small island so that we’re standing shoulder to shoulder.

Picking up the spoon, he creates what he feels is the perfect bite and lifts it to my lips.

“Open,” he murmurs. “Don’t make me sing for the privilege.”

This alpha.Smirking, I open my mouth and accept the spoonful of yogurt, closing my lips as he pulls the spoon away. Chewing slowly, my lashes flutter closed as the flavors hit my tongue. This is really good.

I might have to make this when I’m starving and haven’t a clue what I want to eat. The crunch of the granola also keeps me from getting grossed out by the feeling of yogurt.

Yes, Ophelia’s wonderful starving techniques have kept me from being able to eat normally. I can’t wait to cut her tongue from her mouth. Something about having Leila in my life makes me want to face her again.

Maybe I’m just ready to move on? Jefferson City Auction has been functioning and ruining lives for way too long. I heard that Rock Dresmond was killed recently, and I didn’t shed a single tear. It simply means she isn’t as well protected as she once was.

Her guard dog and his pack are dead. I just need to plan out how I want to do it. Gazing down at Leila, I take a deep breath. She’s going to need more than just me if I’m going to do this.

“Are you really okay with this?” I ask. “Raising someone else’s child is asking a lot.”

“You didn’t ask,” he says, smiling. My heart begins to sink because he’s right. I didn’t. “I wouldn’t expect you to either. You were pulled to this sweet girl, and I would have done the same thing you did. You threw your chips on the table, Isolde. There’s not a reality that exists where your alphas wouldn’t step up to accept you and her. I know we’re all very different people, but I know that much is true.”

“Wow,” I whisper, my lips trembling.

“No crying,” he purrs. “I’m here. Take a few more bites for me like a good girl and then I’ll take her so you can shower.”

Lucas’ phone buzzes, and he pulls it out of his pocket to glance at it.

“It's silenced outside of our pack,” he grunts. “Grant is out on the porch still, and he has a few different floor plans he wants you to see.”

“I am beginning to realize that I’m not the only one who is insane.”

“You’re just figuring this out?” he asks, grinning.

Lucas helps me take another bite of food since my hands are full while he shows me the layouts, and I feel incredibly well cared for. I love the way he manages to do this in the smallest ways.

The four of them do, but I really missed Lucas. Okay, Grant too. His over the top presents he’s had delivered here have been a lifesaver. Just this morning, a baby carrier was delivered before they got here. I have to figure out how to use it, but it may give me back my hands so I can at least eat and brush my teeth.

Smirking at Lucas, I glance down at the phone.

“I like the layout of the third option,” I decide. “The rooms seem to flow well. How high are the ceilings?”

“They aren’t vaulted,” he reassures me. “This one has a loft. It could be a good place for your next heat?”

Taking a deep breath, I struggle not to shudder. “The spikes are getting worse,” I admit. “What am I going to do if I have my heat with Leila, if it even happens?”