Page 67 of Healer's Call

“Me and my team are flying out within the hour, Ava. And then you and I will be having a little chat.”

Ava snorts. “I don’t think you get it. That’s not how this is going to work. You—” She pauses and looks down at the phone. “He hung up on me!”

“Like that surprises you,” I say dryly. I level a look at her. “You’re going to have to tell Alpha Cade that he’s coming.”

She scowls at the phone. “He’s so stubborn. He doesn’t need to come.”

“I don’t think he’s the stubborn one here,” I point out.

“Whose side are you on?”

“Yours,” I admit. “But I think you’re in over your head with this alpha...just saying.”

Chapter 32

Rose

Ava levels another look at me, and I throw up my hands. “Fine.” I open my dresser drawer. “I need to take a shower. You’re welcome to stay and glare daggers at your phone some more.”

She scowls at me. “Ha, ha. You’re so funny.”

I take another sip of tea; it really is good. I round up my clothes and head into the bathroom. But before I can start the shower, somebody knocks on the door again. “Good grief. Are you always this popular?” Ava mutters as I walk past to open the door.

Alpha Cade steps into the room. “Is there a reason the alpha of the Phoenix pack is blowing up my phone?” he asks calmly.

Ava has the decency to look chagrined. But when she doesn’t say anything, I jump in. “Uh that was my fault. I told him Ava was here.” I cringe as I say the words.

He turns back to Ava. “Your mate didn’t know you were here?”

Ava scowls. “He’s not my mate.”

To his credit, Alpha Cade doesn’t react to her callous words. “Well, apparently, he and some of the members of his pack will be here in just a few hours.” He looks between the two of us. He must realize he’s going to get more answers from me than from Ava.Smart man. “You told him about the attack last night.” It’s not a question.

I glance at Ava before answering. “Yes. Ava told him about it because apparently he has a team that,” I pause. “I don’t reallyknow what they do. But somehow, they can help us figure out who the men were last night.”

His eyes show interest. “Okay. I’ll tell my men to prepare for their arrival.”

“You’re not mad?” I blurt out before I can stop myself.

“No. We need all the help we can get. If Bryce’s men can help, I’ll take it.” He meets my gaze. “My pride doesn’t stop me from accepting help, not when it’s my pack and my mate and child’s lives on the line.”

I frown. “They’re after me.” Guilt hits me hard at the danger I’m putting them in by just being here.

Cade nods. “Like I said, they’re after my pack.”

“I’m not part of your pack.”

“Rose, you’re Maverick’s mate; so that makes you pack. But even if you weren’t Mav’s mate, I would consider you pack after what you’ve done to help our pack. You are part of my pack, and I will protect you as such.” His words bring tears to my eyes, and I’m incapable of saying anything. “Now, I’ve got to go prep my pack for the new arrivals. Do either of you need anything?” I shake my head, and Ava does the same. “Okay. Reach out if you do. Any of the shifters guarding your door can reach me immediately.” With that, he strides out of the room.

I stare at the closed door. “Hmm,” Ava says.

I turn back to her. “What’s that supposed to mean?” My words aren’t heated; I’m simply curious.

She shrugs. “He’s just nice, for an alpha, I mean.”

I watch her a moment. “Garrett’s nice too,” I feel lead to point out.

She shrugs again. “Yeah, I guess so.”

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