Page 19 of Healer's Call

“You two obviously don’t know what’s going on here,” Ava says dryly. “She’s Mavericks’ mate. So I don’t think there will be any going into town to check out the boys.”

Both girls are silent for exactly one nanosecond. “You’re Mav’s mate?” Sabrina practically squeals.

“That’s crazy!” Sara says her eyes dancing with delight. “Tell us everything. Did he bite you right away?”

“Does he do that bad boy routine where he just scowls at everybody?” Sabrina gives a look that I get the feeling is supposed to be imitating Maverick.

“You must have been so worried when he was sick,” Sara says and then her eyes widen. “You healed your mate! That’s why they brought you in. That must have been so romantic. Did you cry when he woke up? Did he cry?”

I blink at all the questions. “Um, you guys have met Maverick, right?” Ava asks.

They look at each other and laugh. “Of course we’ve met him; he’s our beta.”

“Then you know what a jerk he is.”

“Ava!” I hiss. She’s too far away for me to elbow; she must have learned her lesson.

“What?” she asks, totally unfazed.

I face the two girls. “Um, I don’t think things with, uh, Maverick are exactly as you’re thinking,” I hedge.

“What do you mean?” Sabrina asks, curiosity in her gaze.

I take a calming breath. I am not equipped to handle these two. “Well, it’s just that we aren't’ exactly...we haven’t uh...”

Ava rolls her eyes. “They’ve barely spoken to each other. And each time Maverick opens his mouth, we’re all reminded that it’s a good thing he doesn’t speak much.”

Sabrina and Sara exchange a glance. “Are you saying you’re not mated?” Sara asks, eyes wide.

Feeling my face heat, I just nod. I’m suddenly feeling tired and ready to get back to my room. “Did you reject him?” Sabrina whispers, her eyes as wide as her sisters.

“No, I didn’t. We haven’t...” I look at Ava, but she’s absolutely no help. I sigh. “There’s been nothing between Maverick and me. I barely know the guy. We met, and we spoke a few times.” Avagives me a look. “Okay, we mostly argued. Then he left and came here, and I stayed in the Northwoods Pack. I haven’t seen him in months. The only reason I’m here now is your alpha came to our pack and asked for a healer. I volunteered for the job, drug Ava with me, and now here we are. Actually, I’m pretty sure he hates me or at least hates that he got stuck with me, a weak, human healer. But I won’t be here long. We don’t have to run into each other or speak. I just need to do my job and then get back to the Northwoods Pack.” I take a breath after my word vomit. I’m about ready to apologize when the girls burst out laughing. I frown and look at Ava who just shakes her head and looks away. I can’t help it. I finally blurt out, “What’s so funny?”

Sara shakes her head. “You obviously didn’t grow up in a wolf pack.”

Feeling a little defensive, I say, “Well, no, but I’ve lived with the Northwoods Pack for over a year now.”

“And how do they treat their mates?” Sara asks pointedly.

I squirm in my seat, wondering where she’s going with this. “Um, they’re pretty attached.” This causes Sara and Sabrina to crack up again.

“Sorry,” Sara says wiping her eyes. “Our brother Sam just got mated, and he nearly took the head off another guy in our pack because helookedat his mate.” She shakes his head. “Male wolves who have just mated or even worse have found their female but haven’t mated yet are extremely aggressive and dangerous. And a guy like Mav?” She laughs but it’s not full of humor. “You are in for it, Girl.”

I shift uncomfortably in my chair. “I don’t think you understand. Maverick isn’t into me...like that.” I lower my voice. “I’m pretty sure he hates me.”

Sara and Sabrina both wear matching expressions of sympathy. Sara reaches out and pats my hand. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Maverick has always been a tough one. I don’teven know him all that well, and he’s been in our pack for like forever.”

The way she says it catches my attention. “He didn’t grow up in this pack?”

“No,” Sabrina answers, glancing at Sarah. “He’s pretty private; he transferred here from another pack.”

I’m curious to know more, but I remember Cade saying that it was Maverick’s story to tell. I wonder what it is, since obviously Maverick is never going to open up about his past to me. That much is obvious. “I’m sorry if Maverick has been a jerk to you,” Sara says, patting my hand again. “Want us to talk to him? Set him straight?”

“Oh, no,” I rush to say.

Sabrina laughs. “She’s kidding.”

“Well, sort of,” Sara says. “I really am sorry that things are so rough with him, though.” Her eyes hold compassion. “Give him time. He’ll come around; I promise. His wolf won’t let him do otherwise.”

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