Page 68 of Healer's Call

“Bryce is too, you kn—”

“Nope.” She stands up. “Don’t go there.” She walks over to the door and stops. “Maverick’s almost an alpha, and we can both agree he’s anything but nice.” She leaves after thoseominous words, leaving me staring at the closed door long after she’s gone. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long day.

I don’t bother tracking her down after I finish my shower. She’s going to probably be in a mood all day, and I’d rather not have to deal with it until later. It’s going to be a mess when Bryce gets here. Besides, apparently, I need to pack.

It takes less than six hours for Bryce and his team to get here. It’s just after dinner, and Ava and I are seated at the table in the large meeting room. The shifters already moved my stuff into the apartment next to Mav’s. I tried to get Ava to move too, but she refused. Now we’re stuck in this meeting where tensions are high.

Cade’s at the head of the table with Maverick at his right. Eli and several other enforcers sit all around us. Ava and I sit next to Amber, who sits at Cade’s right. They’re in the midst of deep discussion about the events of last night when the door to the room opens, and Bryce and his team stride in. I glance quickly at Cade, but it’s obvious he knew they were already here. His security guys probably let him know.

“Does somebody want to inform me as to why my mate is here in Florida with a different pack than the one I left her with in Wisconsin?”

I take in Bryce’s features and look away.Yeah, he’s not happy.

“Oh, goody. Why don’t we call Garrett and invite him too, and you alphas can all do your alpha crap together,” Ava says. I jerk my head to look at her.

“I apologize, Alpha,” Cade says graciously. “I was unaware of the fact that you didn’t know she was here. I would have told you myself, and I should have.” Bryce turns his gaze on Ava, and I will her not to cause a scene. He scans her, like he’s looking for injuries. “As you can see, she is healthy and whole,” Cade says quietly. “We have looked after her as if she was one of ourown.” A growl from Bryce silences Cade. I look across the table and see that Maverick is watching Bryce carefully. As if he feels my gaze, he turns toward me and meets my eyes. I look away a moment later. I feel the tension escalating in the room as Bryce’s men step closer and surround him. The shifters around the table stiffen as well, and I feel like this place is going to explode in mere moments.

“Alpha Bryce,” I say respectfully, trying to get his attention. “Do you want to tell the room how your team can help identify the men who came after me last night?” My voice is only a little shaky, and I’m quite proud of myself for that.

Bryce finally looks away from Ava. “One of our pack businesses is security. I brought one of my teams. Give them a few hours, and they’ll tell you whom you’re dealing with.”

Cade nods. “We certainly appreciate it. Thank you for coming.”

Bryce glances over at Ava, who is looking down at the table. “Of course.” His attention snaps back to Cade. “Can we set up in this room?”

“Yes,” Cade says, standing. “What do you need?”

I snag Ava’s hand and pull her with me, hoping to get her out of the room without a confrontation. That hope is burst when Bryce steps into our path, blocking the door. “You and I will be talking later, Ava.”

Ava snorts. “It’s so funny that you keep doing that.”

“Doing what?” he asks calmly.

She looks up at him. “Telling me what to do.”

He watches her carefully and tries again. “Ava, can you and I talk later?”

I have to give him kudos. He’s way more patient with my friend than I am. “I don’t know. I might be busy,” she starts, and I flick her leg. She swats my hand away.

I tense at what might be Bryce’s response, but he surprises me by smiling. “Well, can you let me know when you’re not busy, so we can talk?”

“I’m busy all day.” I know that’s a lie, but I don’t say anything.

“I’ll have to talk to Cade then about giving you too much to do. He shouldn’t be keeping you that busy. I’ll set him straight.” He takes a step forward, like he intends to do just that.

“No, wait,” Ava says, stopping him. “Don’t talk to him,” she says in a hushed voice, throwing a glance over her shoulder.

Bryce steps forward, so that he’s right in her space. “Ava, if he’s working you too hard—”

“He’s not,” she hisses.

“I’m going to talk to him.”

“All right. Fine. I don’t have anything to do today, okay?” she says through clenched teeth. A slow grin fills his face, and Ava gasps. “You did that on purpose!”

“What?” he asks innocently. “Now, when can we talk?”

Ava clenches her teeth as she glares up at him. “I guess right now, so we can get it over with.”

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