Layla's pov~

Today was the day I would find out the results of the pregnancy test.

My nerves were on edge as I prepared to receive the results from a crucial test-a moment that would either mark the end of a somber chapter in my life or herald the beginning of an unexpected and daunting new journey. The prospect of being pregnant at this stage of my life was never a scenario I had envisioned, and the realization of its possibility weighed heavily on my mind. Yet, if fate deemed it to be so, then I was prepared to embrace this unforeseen path, trusting that whatever the outcome, it was meant to be.

The idea of having a child with Mike made me feel sick to my stomach. I had thought about this constantly since it happened.

"Layla Rhodes." 

The nurse called my name to see the doctor and find out the results.

Christian told me he wanted to be with me when I got the results, but I wasn't ready yet so I would tell him later.

When i walked into the examining room I was greeted by a cheery yellow room, covered in different photos of pups, and mother-to-be magazines, with the occasional animated photos of the womb and it had "your pregnant vibes".

I sat on the examining table covered in paper with stir-ups on the sides. The nurse came in with a blood pressure cup and a stethoscope.

Gesturing me to put my arm out and uncross my legs, so she could take my blood pressure, watching her watch she counted as it squeezed my arm.

Taking the cup off "everything looks pretty normal, you look good, the doctor will be in a moment." The nurse said with a smile as she walked out the door.

A Soft knock on the door startled me, I was already nervous. I gestured for her to come in, she was a tiny woman with very beautiful blonde hair and warm brown eyes.

I noticed sympathy in her eyes, as she turned towards me and her spinning chair.

I had already peed in a cup when I first came in, so I knew she was giving me the results right now.

"I'm sorry in these circumstances it's very hard when something like this happens, but you're about 2 weeks along, I'm sorry Layla, but your urinalysis came out positive."

Dr. Sierra looked me straight in the eyes while placing her hand on mine to comfort me. 

"We have a few options Layla, and when you leave here you're only 2 weeks pregnant." 

"You have plenty of time to make a decision. usually, we'd like you to make that decision at the latest 6 weeks, I'm going to give you some pamphlets, and some prenatal vitamins so that you're prepared." 

"If you decide to keep the pup" ...I quickly clear my voice. 

"Yes, I am planning to keep the pup, well at least carry the pup if not I'm considering adoption."I had thought about this ever since they told me I needed to come in for another test and I knew what it was like without my mother.

So I couldn't imagine giving birth to a pup just for them to look for me later and find out their mother was a victim of rape, and then they would possibly think I didn't love them.

There's no book or pamphlet to read on a situation like this, I just couldn't imagine my pup out there all alone or possibly ending up with someone like Marie. I am this pup's mother and only I can provide the proper love and care it needs. This pup is not Mike's its mine. Although I've heard many people say it's an abomination or it should be aborted, I took the less traveled road and ultimately decided to keep my pup. 

When I left I had a large folder full of pamphlets, and other information I would need just in case I changed my mind. I also observed Antonia with her friends, exchanging whispers and casting amused glances in my direction. I was annoyed at her audacity in continuing to spread rumors and mock me, despite the knowledge that her words could provoke a strong reaction or possibly an ass whipping. Unfortunately, she was aware that the only reason a woman would visit that particular clinic was if she were pregnant or actively seeking to become so. With this realization, I understood that Mike, too, would soon be aware of the situation.

"Christian looked at me smiling, you need a ride mate?"

"Don't I always need a ride, babe, especially on that bike? You know how much I love our rides; that's how we first met."

I was surprised to see him but relieved.

I was acutely aware that this revelation could potentially lead to complications, so I made a firm decision to remain silent if questioned. I already had enough on my plate to contend with, and I was uncertain about how to broach the topic with Christian. While he had assured me of his unwavering support, I couldn't shake the fear that the reality of the situation might prove too challenging, causing him to reconsider our bond. As a soon-to-be alpha, he possessed the freedom to choose any path he desired, and I worried that he might decide that settling for a pregnant she-wolf with seemingly nothing to offer, save for her broken body and heart, was not a future he wished to pursue.

After that, we decided we would go out to eat, and finally have that date. We went to the diner that was near the pack border. I wasn't dressed for anything else, so I was content. 

Right when we walked in, I already knew there was going to be trouble.

Antonia, Mike, Marie and my father were sitting in the back of the restaurant.Which was odd because I had just seen Antonia at the clinic. Perhaps I was mistaken.

Christian looked at me concerned.

"Do you want to go somewhere else?"

I could tell he was fuming, but I wasn't going to leave somewhere for them, they could go.

I wouldn't let them 

Affect my life anymore, especially considering I have a pup to worry about now.

Mike had been banished, so Antonia would have to go out of the pack lands just to meet up with him. I thought he would have been dead already due to the neighboring packs but for now, he's just a rogue.

What got me curious was, what was my father and stepmother doing dining with him, they know what he did to me, yet they still sat there and dined with him. It's like Marie wants to give him a reward for what he's done. 

"Guess what? I've got a little announcement to make," Christian declared, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Please, Christian, don't cause a scene," I implored, completely unaware of his intentions. Without missing a beat, Christian strode over to their table, taking my hand, and locking eyes with Mike.

"Hey, everyone, I'd like you to meet my fated mate. I'm her second chance mate," he proclaimed, his voice ringing with conviction. "We all know Mike was her first mate, yet here he sits, with her parents like they're best friends. It's something I can't even begin to fathom. You're her father and you know what he did!."

"Marie, Antonia, I know exactly why you two are here. your feelings toward Layla are evident, but for her father to sit here with her attacker, you should be ashamed of yourself, Jacob, I know I'm ashamed you were once our beta, or even a part of our pack,Christian asserted, his eyes beginning to shift in color. As Christian's emotions threatened to overwhelm him, I pulled him close, urging him to calm down to avoid causing a scene. 

"Christian, you have to stay calm. We can't let them disrupt our lives any further. You'll be Alpha soon, and then you can handle this however you see fit. But for now, I need you to keep your composure. This is our first date, and we're here to enjoy it. Let's not let them ruin it for us," I said, doing my best to soothe his agitation.

Glancing at the other side of the diner I noticed my brother "Taylor" sitting in the corner eating alone.

As my father, Marie, Antonia, and Mike exchanged surprised glances, they seemed to retreat into the booth they were sitting in, attempting to distance themselves from Christian's building anger. Sensing the escalating tension, I took Christian's arm and guided him toward the back.

Taylor happily waved at me, gesturing to come over and talk to me, I nodded my head, and he made his way over to our table.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with this sis, I couldn't sit with them especially that piece of shit Mike!"

"It's okay I've missed you so much, bro!" 

I said opening my arms for a hug he quickly grabbed me and squeezed me tight. 

"It's not the same at the house without you." he said with a grimace.

Christian finally calmed down, chimed in. "You know you're more than welcome to come over anytime you want to see your sister, or just to hang out with me."

"I'd like to get to know you, considering she's my mate."

Taylor's eyes went wide.

"No way!" he said in shock.

"Yes, it's true, it took me quite a while to get her to come around and realize it, but she's definitely mine!" Christian said Smirking.

Shit, she had already told my father and stepmother, I wasn't ready for him to tell anyone yet, because I didn't know what I was going to do.

This whole mate Bond business and the fact that I'm pregnant and Christian didn't know yet had me worried for the future. Maybe he wouldn't want me after he found out I was pregnant. So, I didn't want to get my hopes up and then eventually lose him and have to tell everybody. 

I don't know what my plans are everything is so complicated, I was still scared.

I didn't know if I was ready yet. Everything was happening too fast, at this point I just wanted to run away from everything...

As we sat and talked I was surprised when something hit the back of my head. I looked around and see Mike and Antonia smirking next to Marie. Christian noticed as well and made his way to the table before I could say anything with one swift movement Christian punched Mike directly in the face re-breaking his nose. Everyone else just sat there around shocked, but not me this was my protector, my mate, and the one person I knew I would always be able to trust.

"I don't know what the fuck your problem is but if you ever lay a finger on her or even look her way again and your wolf won't be healing you because you'll be dead. Oh and Antonia, one of these days you're going to be sorry, Layla's already whooped your ass once if she does again there won't be any consequences for her, but there will be for you, your ass is going to be banished too. You could go and live happily ever after with your rapist boyfriend as a rogue because I'll make sure no other pack ever takes you in."

"As for you too, Jacob, Marie, you guys are the most worthless,lowlife, and pieces of shit on this Earth and you should be ashamed of yourselves sitting here with your daughter's rapist! Even Taylor knows better and he's only 15 years old!"Christian felt he had to keep instilling this in their heads, this the second time he said this today. And that's when I realized, it was actually his wolf speaking this time. 

Christian growled so angry that I knew I would have to step in and stop him. But before I could Antonia stood up, "he's not a rapist! she wanted him, she seduced him!" 

"Come on babe let's get out of here they're not even worth it" I said taking him by the hand out to the parking lot so he could cool off. 

But that's when I noticed something. Antonia gazed at my baby brother Taylor with pleading eyes, as if she were looking at him with affection or perhaps with an apologetic expression. I couldn't discern the true nature of her gaze, but it left me and my wolf feeling perplexed. While Carley might have believed that they were fated, I had a strong conviction that my wolf was mistaken.