Page 37 of Not Ready

That’s a weird feeling.

“No, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault Andrew is a total psycho,” she says with a sigh. “Gah, did the guys you stuck me with have to be so ridiculously hot while also being exceptionally bossy and annoying?”

My gaze falls on a parked car across the street and about twenty feet down. My heart pounds as beady eyes stare back at me. It’s difficult to tell if the face is one I recognize because of the reflection on the windshield, but I’m pretty damn sure that could be Andrew.

I stumble backward as the door to the shop opens and closes. “Love you, Kate. I have to call you back.” I hang up without waiting for confirmation that she heard me.

“How’s the roommate?” Mercer asks.

I spin to face him, trying to form words. The sound of screeching car tires fills the air as the black sedan drives away.

“What happened?” Mercer asks, scanning the area.

“Nothing,” I say, swallowing thickly. “At least, I hope it was nothing. There was a man in a car. The one who just drove past us. It was too far to tell if it was him, but…”

“Right. Everything should be delivered within the next couple days. Let’s grab your prescriptions and head home.” He moves until I’m closest to the stores and he’s walking a bit behind me and to the left, putting him nearest to the street. His hand is gentle on my lower back, but it’s easy enough to pick up his tension.

The pharmacy really is close, and it only takes an extra minute or two until we’re inside. It’s been a lot of years since I’ve been in a pharmacy that didn’t double as a mini-grocery store, with makeup and other products.

An older man with mostly white hair stands behind the counter.

Mercer guides me up and nods. “We’re picking up for Vale Reed.”

“Right,” the pharmacist says. “I’ve got two for you, but the one medication is just shy of thirty-four hundred dollars for a thirty-day supply.”

A choked, sputtering sound escapes.

“No.” My head shakes violently. “Oh God, no way!”

“We’ll take both,” Mercer says.

“Have you lost your damn mind? For over three grand, I’ll soak up the real thing.”

Mercer grabs his wallet and tosses a card down. “We’ll just be right over here whenever it’s ready.” He gently tugs me closer to the front of the store. “Is that right? And where do you expect to find these alphas?” The look on his face might pass for stern if his tone didn’t sound strangely playful.

My cheeks feel hot.

Damn pregnancy hormones.

I move to unbutton my wool coat, but Mercer shoves my hands away and begins undoing them for me.

“Well, I have Bishop. He asked if he could court me, and I know he wouldn’t mind letting me soak up his pheromones.” My chin tilts in the air as I remember what Dr. Garza said about the suppositories. I’m guessing they’re made up of alpha stuff. I jab a finger at Mercer’s chest. “And if multiple alphas are needed…” I huff, blowing a random wave of hair out of my face. “Then I guess my husband-to-be will just have to step up and lend me some of his pheromones.”

“Oh, darling. I do enjoy being pleasantly surprised. I’d love to see more of the fiery attitude in the future,” he says, bending to kiss my forehead. “However, I’m sure that’s the type of medication that can’t be sent back. I’m not going to leave Phil on the hook for a prescription he’ll never be able to sell to someone else.”

“Oh,” I whisper, feeling genuinely terrible. I hadn’t considered that.

“I’m going to run and grab the car. Sign the slip and only come out once you see me.” He gives a dazzling smile filled with perfect, straight, white teeth.

“Okay,” I agree.

He’s incredibly handsome when he smiles. How has he made it to nearly thirty-five without someone snatching him up?

The ride home doesn’t take long, but I find myself searching for the car from earlier during the entire drive. Mercer shifts gears seamlessly, and in between, he rests his hand on my thigh. It’s quite unexpected, but not unwelcome.

Once we arrive back at the house, I quickly visit the restroom and meet Mercer back in the kitchen.

“For the love of God,” he mutters. “I forgot to feed you. I was supposed to grab lunch for the four of us.” He sighs, rubbing at his temples. “Are you okay with the same order you had last night with Bishop? They retain our order, and I’m afraid…”

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