Bound By The Beta

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Carmilla fought to keep a warm, composed smile on her face even as frustration and adrenaline coursed through her. She didn't want Layla suspecting anything was wrong.

The last few hours had easily been some of the most insane of her life.

She was grateful Sophia sat beside her. The girl's constant fidgeting provided the perfect distraction, especially with Layla's attention divided between the two of them.

"I ordered some cookies, a chocolate drink for Sophia, and pie for myself," Layla said cheerfully. "What would you like, Carmilla?"

Freedom.

"Maybe the pie sounds interesting. What flavors do you have?" Carmilla asked.

Layla handed her the handwritten menu. After a quick glance, Carmilla decided. Apple pie sounded perfect.

"Aunty Carmilla, I want to see the menu too!"

Carmilla passed it to her niece with a warning. "Don't tear it."

"I'm not a baby!" Sophia protested.

Both sisters sighed at the same time, then looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"Tell me, did you also think of Percy?" Layla asked, her voice laced with amusement.

"Obviously," Carmilla replied, and they both laughed again.

Sophia stared at them with narrowed eyes. For a brief, precious moment, Carmilla forgot about the chaos waiting for her.

"Ursula?" Layla called.

A small figure with brown hair in neat pigtails approached their table. She had a smattering of freckles across her pale cheeks and strikingly blue eyes. Though she still looked youthful, Carmilla knew they were the same age, they had attended basic education together before going their separate ways. They had never been close, but they remained politely cordial.

"Good afternoon, Carmilla," Ursula greeted with a teasing smile. "Welcome back."

"Good afternoon. You look… good?"

Carmilla's brain glitched the moment the words left her mouth. Layla facepalmed while Ursula rolled her eyes.

"If I didn't know you, I'd think you were trying to pick a fight," Ursula said. "You're still as awkward as ever, Miss Jackson."

"I'm sorry," Carmilla amended, her cheeks flushing pink. "But you really do look great."

"Whatever. Thank you," Ursula replied with a small smile. She turned to Layla. "So, since you called me over, I assume you want to add something to your order?"

"Actually, yes..but it's for Carmilla."

Carmilla inwardly cringed. She wished Layla had just ordered for her. The earlier embarrassment made her want to crawl under the nearest table and disappear.

"The apple pie looks amazing," she said quickly.

"I'll get that for you," Ursula replied, already turning to leave.

"Wait, Ursula," Layla called, waving her back over.

Ursula returned, looking slightly confused. Carmilla was equally puzzled.

"I noticed the café is busier than usual," Layla said, lowering her voice. "Even some customers are heading upstairs. Does it have anything to do with the gentleman who keeps staring at our table?"

Carmilla's eyebrows rose. Gentleman?

She followed their gazes and turned to meet a pair of striking golden eyes. Her own widened in surprise. The silver-haired man offered a slow smile, revealing a dimple. He sat with a companion who faced him, yet his relaxed posture and quiet charisma remained fixed on her. Her heart gave an unexpected flutter. Flustered, she quickly looked away.

When she turned back to the table, she found Layla, Ursula, and even Sophia, who had suddenly gone quiet watching the exchange with keen interest.

"You know him?" Layla asked, her voice laced with unmistakable excitement.

Excited? Carmilla shivered. Why does she sound excited?

"No. Why would I?"

"He keeps staring at you," Ursula added, her tone almost accusatory.

"How am I supposed to know why he's staring?" Carmilla whisper-yelled. "It's probably just the blue hair. Take a hint."

Ursula didn't look convinced as she walked away.

A crush or something?

Carmilla didn't have time for whatever that was. Not now. She still had to figure out how to gently break the devastating news to Layla without sending her sister into premature labor.

"So… tell me what's wrong."

Carmilla's heart stuttered.. this time from fear.

"What?" A nervous hiccup escaped her.

Layla rolled her eyes. "Come on. You've been fidgeting with your fingers since you sat down. You've barely looked me in the eye. And when a ridiculously hot man started staring at you, you didn't even gush about him being perfect male-lead material, or comment on his biceps, or speculate about..."

Layla leaned in closer so only Carmilla could hear, while Sophia remained distracted by a barking dog outside.

"...how heavy he might be, judging by his shoe size and the way he walks."

"Layla!" Carmilla whisper-yelled, her face burning red. "Are you crazy?! I don't go that far. And we both know no one can outmatch Jose Ford. He is heavy."

The sound of glass shattering came from somewhere in the café. Carmilla instinctively started to turn, but Layla's serious expression pinned her in place.

"There's my sister," Layla said softly. "Now tell me. What happened? Is it about Daddy's illness?"

Just then, Ursula returned with the apple pie and another chocolate drink.

"The drink is on the house," Ursula said gently, noticing Carmilla's expression.

"Thank you." Carmilla offered a small smile. Ursula nodded and left.

She took a sip and let out a low, appreciative moan. "f**k, that hit the spot."

"Is it really that good?" Layla asked with a knowing smile.

"Yes," Carmilla laughed. But even as she did, she felt eyes on her. A strange tension settled over her body, making her painfully aware of herself. Golden eyes and silver hair flashed through her mind.

Has she met him before?

"So… what's going on?" Layla's voice turned serious this time.

Carmilla knew there was no escaping it anymore. She let out a heavy breath and told her everything.

Layla's face paled. "What? Is it that bad?"

Carmilla wasn't sure if it was the pregnancy making her sister more sensitive, but she could read every emotion on Layla's face far more easily than when they were younger. The fear was unmistakable.

"Mom made me go see the Gates family this morning."

Layla looked positively nauseous. "How did it go?"

"Don't worry, I can handle it," Layla said on seeing Carmilla's hesitant expression, though she wasn't sure she believed her own words. "But… it was bad."

"Spill," Layla pressed, gently holding Sophia's small hand in hers for support.