Page 53 of Healer's Call

I nod. She takes in my black leggings, black long-sleeved top, and dark sweatshirt. Her eyes pause on my sneakers. “I know they have white on them, but they’re all I have. I don’t have cat woman boots like you do,” I tell her wryly.

“It’s fine. Let's go.”

I follow her out the door and down the stairs. I keep a look out for Maverick, but I don’t see him anywhere. My chest tightens at the thought of discovering him with another woman tonight. I’m not sure this is the best idea, but I also know I won’t sleep until I figure out where he’s going at night. We’re almost to the front door when it hits me. “Ava, what are we doing abouta car?” I’ve clearly not been thinking with my head. She dangles keys in front of me. “Where did you get those?” I ask.

She smirks. “I have my ways.”

I’m immediately suspicious. “Please tell me you didn’t flirt with some poor unsuspecting shifter to get those.”

“So what if I did?” I bite my tongue. Bringing up the alpha shifter that says she’s his mate doesn’t seem like a great idea right now. “They’re Sara’s,” she finally admits.

I follow her outside. “I’m surprised she didn’t want to come with.”

“Oh, she did. They both did. But I told them it was pack business.”

I glance over at Ava. I can see her clearly because of the overhead lights. “And she believed you?”

Ava shrugs. “She didn’t question it.” She pushes the key fob and waits for the lights to turn on. “There we go.” After we’re both in and buckled, I face her.

“Do you want me to drive?”

“Nope. I've got this.”

“Have you driven since...” my voice trails off.

She doesn’t look my direction. “Yes.” I don’t say anything else, and neither does she. When we get to the guards, she rolls down her window. “Hey,” she says in a flirty, fun voice I’ve never heard from her. “I’m Ava, and this is Rose. We’re the healers.” The shifter bends low and looks in the car. I wave, knowing he can see clearly in the dark. “We’re headed out for a little bit to get a break. All that healing, you know?” She takes an exaggerated breath. “Do we need to do anything?” she asks innocently.

“No, Ma’am. You're good to go.” He glances in the backseat and then back at us. “I’m sure you’re not supposed to leave without a shifter with you for security.”

“Oh, we’re meeting Maverick, you know Rose’s mate. He should be just a few minutes behind us,” Ava continues. “Butplease, between you and me...we’re surprising him. Rose has a plan to surprise him tonight and have a special dinner, so if you could not say anything to him or anybody else that would be amazing. We don’t want word getting back to him.” She smiles at him, and I’m pretty sure he’s struck dumb.

“Yeah, okay. Be safe.”

“Thank you!” she calls as she drives away. I stare at her, unable to help myself. “What?”

“I’ve just never seen that side of you. Your parents never had a chance with you, did they?” I know I’m venturing out, but it’s worth it when she grins.

“Nope.” She pops thep, and I can’t help the smile that crosses my face at seeing this side of her.

We drive down the rest of the way until we’re close to the main road. Then she turns onto the grass. “What are you doing?” I ask in alarm.

“Relax,” she snorts. “I’m just pulling out of the way so we can see where Maverick goes, but he won’t see us.”

“Are you sure?” I ask.

“Yes. He won’t be looking for us. He’ll drive right past without looking way over here and noticing us. I promise.”

I’m skeptical. “I don’t know.”

“This isn’t my first rodeo, you know.”

I laugh dryly. “Oh, I know. I very much know after all this.”

We’re both quiet after that, and I watch the road constantly and only take quick breaks to look at the clock. At two minutes after ten, a car approaches. I feel myself sinking low in my seat. Ava looks over and laughs at me. “He’s not going to see you.” I’m doubtful and feel myself holding my breath until he passes. “See?” She says triumphantly. I watch as Maverick turns and begins driving away.

“Shouldn’t we follow him?” I ask.

“Nope.”

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