Gabriel takes me to Stella's so I could collect my beach house and car keys. As we leave from there and head for my beach house, on the way I manage to convince Gabriel to take my Cadillac and leave this hired Lamborghini in the underground garage of dad's office building for Larry could get it later.
As we take my car and leave, he insists on getting our dinner done as it's already too late and I agree knowing we won't be getting any food in my beach house.
Gabriel stops at a pizzeria for the dinner and to my surprise I manage to teeth down three full slices and a two glass of some tangy juice. When we finish, he pays the bill and takes me by the hand before leading me out and bundling into the Cadillac.
My throat tightens as we drive towards the beach. It feels like someone is strangling me. Admitting that I don't know how to cope with all this makes me feel weak, like I'll falter and fade away. I realize we haven't talked until it was necessary and he is waiting to get me somewhere from where I can't run. The thought makes my stomach fall and churn.
The car stops in front of the cottage, flaring the ache in my heart and refreshing the memories of the days I've spent here with my family. I get off with my shoulders slumping wearily and trudge the driveway to the house.
Flicking all the lights on, I drag myself into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I fall to my knees and empty my dinner decorating the pot. I hurl, hurl and hurl until dry heaves leave my aching mouth. I feel completely deflated and just want to crawl back into bed and forget about everything, but someone's presence won't let me.
"Tony, baby !"
I hear him shout as his thudding strides becomes louder and louder before the door flies open hitting the wall and he crashes in looking wild and ready to tear down my house if he hadn't found me here.
"Oh god, what's wrong?" His arms engulf me and I sag in his lap slightly, even though I know I shouldn't. He remains crouched beside me, holding me and rubbing my back, while I compose myself. When I feel a little better, he helps me to stand up and take me to the vanity unit.
I become aware of the creeping silence and my strained pants. I chance a glance at his reflection in the mirror as he turns the tap on. His face is marred with a deep frown indicating the cogs of his brain are whirling too fast and making it almost audible. "Are you okay?'."
"I... I don't know. Let me clean up first. " I say hoarsely through the burn in my throat. I lean down and cup my hands under the water then splash some on my face and drink some to ease the burn.
When I turn upright Gabriel concerned face meets my eyes in the mirror. "You don't look fine." I know he is talking about the dark circles and my pale face.
"I feel fine." I say quietly to his reflection.
"Tony, you are not fine at all." He reaches around me and strokes his hand down my cheek. "So please let me look after you."
I suddenly registers that he wants me to need him. He feels useless, unless he can provide for me and my absence from him since I walked out probably worsening it. I've read it on the internet, it's a wolf thing to be the perfect, protector and provider and breeder to their mate. Should I deny him this? It will fetch me nothing except for to hide my pregnancy.
"I'm fine." I grab the mouthwash; pour some in my mouth before swilling and spitting out to clean my mouth.
"Are you..." He trails of narrowing his eyes suspiciously at me. "Are you pregnant?"
"What? Nooo." I blurt urgently, too urgently for my liking and I hope he doesn't catch the lie. My decision is wrong but I'm not ready for this. I'm a man for fuck sake how can even I give birth to a baby is beyond me.
