Chapter 40: Mating

Leila's POV:

Drake had noticed the shift in my demeanor, despite my best efforts to hide it. His eyes were sharp, filled with concern, as he repeatedly asked if I was okay or if I was feeling unwell. I tried to play it off, to act as though nothing was wrong, but I could see the suspicion growing in his gaze. He knew something was off, and I hated that I couldn't mask my emotions better.

 "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked again, his voice gentle yet probing.

 "I'm fine, really," I replied, forcing a smile. "Just tired, I guess."

 But I could tell he wasn't convinced. His gaze lingered on me a moment longer before he sighed, as if deciding not to push me further—at least for now.

 "We'll go to the hospital tomorrow," he said, his tone shifting as he brought up Lily. "It's time to confront her."