He laughed and shook his head. “It’s a little early for that, don’t you think?”

“No. Come on, omega. I’m sure you have some names in mind. But first, food?”

“Nothing with chicken, please. I don’t know what it is lately but I’ve got the chicken ick, badly.”

Snorting, I wrapped him up in my embrace. “It’s called morning sickness. And how about that smokehouse truck? We can get pulled pork sandwiches or we can find a steak somewhere.”

His stomach growled. “Pulled pork sounds amazing. They also sell some of that candied bacon.”

“I’ll get you two all the bacon you want. Come on.”

I’d successfully changed the subject, but now it was my stomach that was sick. Would Tobias never trust me? Would Tobias ever realize that I had no intentions of hurting him or controlling even the slightest thing about him?

Maybe one day.

I only hoped he gave me the chance to find out.

“Can we stop by the restaurant and check things out? Make sure everything is okay?” he asked.

“Of course.”

Chapter Sixteen

Tobias

My alpha really was into the moment, was making it clear that he wanted us to move forward, to do what came naturally to mates, but I was still hesitant. My bear was in full agreement with our mate and even more was demanding that we move in together and make a life.

But I was not at all sure of what to do. I had done that once, thought the person in my life cared about me until they showed their true character. How could I trust that I wouldn’t make the same mistake again?

Leon had been nothing but a gentleman and kind, and he’d not done a thing to make me feel otherwise. It wasn’t his fault if I didn’t know how to trust myself enough to just go for it. But if I moved to his house and things didn’t go well…if I threw my lot in with him entirely and it didn’t work?

I’d have no one to blame but myself.

Would I?

No.

And I had more than myself to consider now. Before, when things went sideways, I packed up and left. But now, I would be responsible for making a baby homeless. Why hadn’t I suggested we use protection at least until we knew one another better? Wouldn’t that have been the logical choice?

But no, just like last time, I jumped in but at least I hadn’t gotten pregnant before. The very idea of my ex having impregnated me, of having a connection like that to him forever gave me chills. But as far as protection, that ship had sailed and I was carrying a baby who belonged to Leon just as much as me.

A decision that should have been made when I knew my own mind better. Why…why didn’t I think before acting? And whydid that jackal have to be so damned sexy? And kind. And warm. And caring…

But was it real?

It didn’t help that the food issues had moved into nausea for weeks, making it hard to get the nutrition my body was demanding. I trudged into the kitchen and opened my refrigerator, looking for something appealing. Although I had not worshiped the porcelain god for a few days now, I was still being oh-so careful. Eggs. No. Bread. No. Cheese… Nah. Bacon? The one thing that had set me off at the beginning was now the only thing I wanted to eat. I pulled the pound out and got a half dozen strips sizzling in a skillet. As I hovered over it with a fork in hand, my phone rang.

“Hi, Tobias. What are you up to?”

“Just making something to eat.” I turned a couple of strips, inhaling the delicious aroma. “You?”

“I was just checking to see if you wanted company this evening.” His voice held such hesitance, my bear growled. “What was that?”

“My beast says hello,” I muttered, feeling like a real ass for making him sound that way. For making him feel unwelcome when I really wanted him here with me. I knew if I let him stay over, I’d get some sleep, which wasn’t happening much right now.

But wasn’t that using him?

“Why don’t I bring some dinner?” he asked. “I promise not to overstay my welcome.”