Page 9 of Healer's Call

“You’re a mess,” I mumble, but she just laughs again. When we reach the room where Max and James are waiting, Max’s eyes are on his mate, and they’re doing their glowy thing.

“I heard you, Mate,” he says in a growl as she walks past him.

“Figured you would,” she tosses over her shoulder as we walk past him and into the room. “Ooo, these are really nice. These rooms are huge!” She releases us and sits on the bed. “They’re much bigger than the ones in Samantha and Wyatt’s pack; don’t tell Samantha.” I walk around the room, surprised by the size and opulence of it. There’s a small kitchen with a kitchen table, a living room area with a large tv on the wall, a bathroom that’s much larger than I would think it would be, and a bedroom.

“This is really nice,” I say out loud.

“The other healer is next door,” James says. I drop my bags on the floor and follow Ava and James to the room next door. It’s almost identical to mine.

“Are you ready to see our beta?” James asks, surprising me.

“Oh.” His words take me by surprise. “Right now?” I sort of squeak out.

James gives me a confused look. “You’re healers, right? Here to heal the pack?”

I take a breath at his words and try to still the instant panic that his words produce. I mean thatiswhy I’m here, but the pressure of trying to save an entire pack? That’s a lot of pressure. I bite my lip as I try to come up with something to say. “You made it,” a new voice says, and we turn in surprise.

Alpha Cade gives us a small smile. “Welcome to the Orlando Pack. I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you when you first arrived.” A beautiful woman stands next to him holding an adorable little girl. Cade puts his hand on the woman’s back and smiles proudly. “This is my mate, Amber, and our little girl, Paige.”

I try to swallow my nerves. “I’m Rose.” I don’t say anything else, because I can’t. But Amber doesn’t seem to mind. She steps forward.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Rose.” She shocks me by leaning forward and giving me a hug, trapping the little girl in between us.

“Mama,” the little one says in a complaint.

Amber leans back and smiles down at the little girl. She turns big eyes to me before she buries her head in her mother’s chest. But when she lifts her head again and smiles shyly at me, I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “Hi, Little One. What’s your name?”

“What’s your name?” Amber prompts gently.

“Paige,” she finally says quietly.

“Hi, Paige. I’m Rose; it’s so nice to meet you. Are you two?” I hold up two fingers. She nods before burying her head again.

“She’s adorable, and I love her name,” I tell Amber.

“Thank you. It’s after Sage and Paul,” she tells me, surprising me. “They didn’t tell you they delivered our little girl?” she asks in surprise.

“I knew that; I just didn’t know she was named after them,” I explain. “That’s so sweet.”

“Well, she wouldn’t be here if not for them. I probably wouldn’t be either.”

Cade turns away from talking to Max and puts his hand on his mate’s back. “But you both are, and that’s what matters,” he says firmly, planting a kiss on her cheek and reaching for Paige. She giggles when he tickles her and lays her head on his chest. Afeeling of tenderness tugs at my chest, and I find myself wanting to tear up. I turn away a moment, needing a chance to reset.

“Have you seen Maverick yet?” Amber asks softly, and I turn back to her.

“Uh, no. Not yet.”

Cade wraps an arm around Amber and draws her close to his side. He must say something to her through their bond because she gives a slight nod. “I hope that you will reach out with anything you need. I know you’re going to be busy, but I really hope to have a chance to get to know you.” Her smile is bright, and she seems sincere. I surprise myself by nodding.

“I would like that.”

She beams and gives Cade a kiss. “We’ll see you later.”

When Cade turns back to me, his face is serious, and I know it’s time to get down to business. He glances between Ava and I. “Would you like to see what we’re dealing with?”

I chance a glance at Ava, and she meets my eyes and gives me the slightest nod. I find courage from the act. “Yes, please.”

“Follow me.”

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