Winning Layla (#2)

Chapter 7

Beta Nash Hendrix-

I wake up to the sounds of birds singing and squirrels moving through the trees. I sit there for a moment, just enjoying the morning breeze for a moment. Out of habit, I run my hand along Layla's side of the bed, feeling a pang in my heart when I'm reminded of her temporary absence. Looking over at the alarm clock on the bedside table, it reads the time as nine forty-five. I rub my hands across my face and sigh.

Today is going to be stressful. I think about Layla. I love her and I know she loves me, though she hasn't said the words. I should have known not to react the way I did about her talking to her brother. I should have asked, not commanded. Controlling every move and holding her back from being herself is not how I envisioned our relationship. Now, my mate is gone and I'm going to have to fight to get her back in my arms. And if sitting miserably through breakfast at November's is what I have to do to get her back, then I'll do it.

Knowing November and Reece usually eat breakfast late, I rise from the bed and make my way to the bathroom. While I brush my teeth, I pretend not to notice the dark circles under my eyes and the thickened scruff along my jaw. I head to the closet where I dress in faded jeans and a black shirt.

When I make it downstairs after finding my phone, I search for my keys and exit the house. Once I arrive at November's, I knock once before coming in. I find November, Reece, and the kids in the kitchen, each preoccupied with some sort of task. Layla is nowhere in sight.

"Hey, sis. Hope I'm not late."

Her head whips up and she smiles. "No, not at all. Right on time, actually. Maddox, Jasmine, say hello to your Uncle Nash."

They both run over to me, wrapping their little arms around my legs, making me smile for the first time today. When they're done, I lift my chin to Reece and he reciprocates. I walk towards November. When I am beside her, I ask, "Where is she?"

"She's upstairs in the guest bedroom. I'd wait to talk to her," she replies quietly, but I'm already heading into the living room and up the stairs. I find her asleep in nothing but a t-shirt and underwear, her long hair a mess, her eyes red from crying. I crouch down next her and gently sift my fingers through her hair.

"Wake up, baby," I tell her, but she remains still, her breathing level. After a few seconds, I decide to go back downstairs, leaving Layla to sleep.

* * *

Layla Edwards-

"Wake up, baby."

I stir at the feel of someone running their fingers through my hair and across my cheek. When I catch the scents of detergent and whiskey, I shoot up into a sitting position. I look around the room expecting to see Nash, only to find no one there.

What the hell?

I stretch, popping my fingers and toes, before lifting the covers back and climbing out of bed. I pick out an outfit of yoga pants and a tank top from my bag. I undress, slipping on my bra, pants, and top before gathering my bathroom essentials and ridding my hair of tangles. I head downstairs, making my way to the kitchen where the sound of morning chatter and pans clinking is escaping from. The smell of pancakes and bacon fill my nose, causing my stomach to growl. I walk into the kitchen and the sight of it makes me stop dead in my tracks.

There, at the kitchen bar, is Nash sipping a cup of coffee and laughing with Reece, Jasmine on his lap where she is playing with his class ring that is on a chain around his neck.

Fuck no.

He can't be here.

I don't want to see him yet.

My mind flickers back to yesterday and the things he said. I want a mate who listens, not one who defies me at every advantage. The way he made me feel and the way I left.