Page 118 of Cursed Bonds: An Alpha's Destiny

Jace nodded. “Good as new. He had some other bruises and cuts, but those have pretty much all healed. He’s really grateful to you. While we were, uh, cleaning up, he kept telling me not to be mad at you and how amazing you were.”

More of that warmth washed over me. It reminded me of whenever one of my students had a breakthrough—finally learning something and mastering it, and me knowing that I’d helped them do it. That’s what it felt like after I healed Kyro. Knowing that I’d helped him sent a thrill of such intense happiness through me that I had a hard time describing it.

I was meant to be a healer.

“I’m glad he’s feeling better,” I said. “I won’t take back what I did—I can’t. And if the same thing happens again, I won’t hesitate to help.”

“That’s what I wanted to talk about,” Jace said.

I stiffened, waiting for him to chastise me and tell me I needed to stay on the sidelines like a good little girl.

“I want to teach you some self-defense, if you’re up to it. It would ease my mind a lot if you had that knowledge, along with your magic, to fight back if Eren or his goons show up again.”

I blinked in surprise. That was not what I’d expected. Rather than telling me to hide so he could protect me, he wanted to teach me to fight? The idea was appealing, especially since I was still learning to control my spells and magic.

“That way, if I’m not around, or you get caught alone, you’ll have as many tools as possible to fight back and help yourself. But”—he held up a finger, looking serious—“that’s not going to happen. This is just a precaution because I damn well will make sure you’re safe.”

The urgency in his eyes told me just how terrified he was about something happening to me. It actually seemed like he might be more scared of me being taken or hurt than I was.

“I think that’s a good idea,” I said. “Especially if it will give you some peace of mind.”

Jace’s shoulders sagged in relief. He’d prepared himself for a fight from the looks of it. My quick acceptance had taken him by surprise.

“Really?”

“Yeah, why not? Maybe it’ll be fun.”

He sighed. “Thank you, Kirsten. You have no idea how much better that will make me feel. We can start tomorrow, if that’s okay with you.”

“Sure.”

Jace reached forward, fingers grazing my chin as he cupped my cheek. My stomach did a happy little flip as he leaned forward. I parted my lips, ready for the kiss, wanting it, but instead, he angled his head upward. His lips pressed to my forehead.

I concealed my disappointment. I shouldn’t have been surprised—I’d told him I didn’t want to jump back into something. He was just doing what I’d asked. Still, my lips tingled at the thought of pressing against his.

Jace leaned back. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night.”

Jace stood and walked toward the stairs. I watched him go, and despite everything, I felt the sting of rejection. Perhaps I should have initiated it. Then again, that would have given Jace mixed signals. I couldn’t tell him I wanted to take it slow, only to turn it around and shove my tongue down his throat.

The novel in my hand suddenly seemed much less interesting. Carrying it up to my room, I put it on the nightstand and pulled my suitcase out. The books Tinsley had given me were nestled inside. If I was going to be a healing witch, then I had to start studying.

The first book had an entire chapter devoted to the subject. I spent the night devouring the information.

Chapter 6

Jace

The sun had barely crested the horizon as I tiptoed out of the house the next morning. Kirsten had been up late the night before. I’d heard her rummaging around in her room until well past one. I’d had trouble sleeping, my brain too full of the hundred different ways she could have been hurt. The nightmarish visions flashed through my brain until I’d finally fallen asleep.

After stepping off the porch, I shifted and ran into the forest. Waylan and the rest of the council were meeting me where we’d dumped the dead wolf. We needed to discuss what had happened and handle a few other matters. With Stephanie off the council and in a self-imposed exile, we had no town doctor. No one had even seen her since the last town meeting.

Abigail had put forth Reese Dunnely’s name as Stephanie’s replacement. His family had lived in Crestwood for over a hundred years, and he’d recently finished his doctor’s residency. He was the most logical choice. This would be a nice audition for the spot on the council.

To my surprise, everyone was gathered when I arrived. Waylan had already led them to where we had dumped the body.

“Morning, boss,” Langston said as I shifted back. “Mighty early, ain’t it?”

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