Page 54 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

“In your professional opinion, what’s wrong with her? You think she has fleas or she’s in heat?” Carmen asked with mock seriousness.

“I assumed she was pregnant, but she says it’s not possible,” Phil said.

Carmen’s head whipped towards Lyla. “Pregnant?”

“I’m not,” Lyla said.

“What? How do you know? Are you on something?”

Lyla gave Phil a pointed look, but he didn’t budge. He was fascinated by the exotic creature in his shitty office. Lyla wiped her clammy brow.

“I had my period recently,” Lyla said.

Carmen looked at Phil. “She can still spot if she’s pregnant, right?”

Phil blinked. “I really don’t know much about human women who are breeding.”

“Right,” Lyla drawled and forced herself up. “I think I’m done for the day. I’ll come back again to walk Beau and the others.”

“Thanks, Doc,” Carmen said and winked at Phil before she followed Lyla into the hallway. “Are you sure you’re not pregnant?”

“Positive.”

Carmen didn’t say anything as Blade jogged up to them. He stopped and they got a whiff of a very distinct poop smell. Carmen and Lyla took a step back.

“What happened? Alice said you fainted,” Blade said.

“I’m fine,” Lyla said and bounced to show that she was fine and instantly regretted it when another wave of nausea hit her. “You know, I think I really need something to eat.”

“Let me get you a sandwich.”

She nearly gagged when she caught a whiff of bologna earlier. “No, I need something...” She waved her hand. “Light and fresh.”

“Like what?”

“Some noodle salad or something,” Lyla said, knowing she sounded nuts and not caring. She wanted some light, fluffy meal from the deli section in a supermarket. She didn’t know exactly what she wanted but...

“Okay,” Blade said and pulled out his phone. “I have to call Gavin.”

“About me? Blade, nothing happened!”

“Do you want me to die?” Blade asked as he dialed.

“I’m—” She ground her teeth and then snatched Blade’s phone before he could speak.

“Blade? What is it?” Gavin asked brusquely on the other end.

“Hey, baby,” Lyla said and slapped Blade’s hand away.

“Lyla?”

“Yeah, something happened at the dog shelter and Blade’s overreacting,” Lyla said and ignored Blade’s glare.

“What happened?”

Lyla winced. Gavin sounded calm, but she knew better. “I’m just not feeling well, that’s all. I’m fine, though. We’re leaving now.”

“Are you sick? Should I call the doctor?”

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