Page 120 of Healer's Call

“We’re here for food for Stu,” Mav says.

She shakes her head. “That boy never takes a break, does he?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without his laptop,” I comment. A few minutes later, she has food packed in a box. “Did you two eat?”

“We did, earlier,” I tell her with a smile. “Thank you.”

After dropping the food off with Stu, I turn to Mav. “I need to start healing the wolves from Jackson’s pack.”

“I’ll go with you.” His look is resigned.

“How are our pack members doing?” I ask as we walk. “I haven’t had a chance to check in with Amber.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to,” Mav says, surprising me. “The water sourcing has been changed, and we had a team come in to work on the airducts. They found where the strychnine was coming in and stopped it.”

“So, everything is good?” I ask.

“For now,” he says.

I’m not naive. I know that there will be more problems, but for now, the pack is safe. And that’s a reason to be happy. I smile, and Mav looks down at me.

“What’s the smile for?”

“I’m happy.” He slows his steps.

“Yeah?”

I look up at him with a smile. “Yeah, Mav. Nobody’s dying of strychnine poisoning, and I have a powerful mate at my sidewho loves me and wants to protect me. Yeah, I’d say life is pretty good.”

Mav’s gaze runs over my face. “It doesn’t take a lot to make you happy, does it?”

I stare up at him. “Mav, all I've ever wanted was someone to love and to be loved in return. I found that. With you.”

He swallows. “I want to have a family, Rose. With you. I don’t want you ever to be sad or lonely again. I don’t know that I’ll make a good dad, but I want this. For you.”

His words are so earnest, I tear up. “Mav, that means the world to me.” I bite my lip. “I have something to tell you,” I whisper. “The wolf creator told me I have much life ahead of me—becoming a mom and a grandmom.” Mav gathers me in his arms, and I swallow down my emotion. After several long minutes, I reach up and put my hand on his strong jaw. “And I have no worries about you being a dad.” I reach up and plant my lips on his. He pulls me close instantly, deepening the kiss. When we finally pull apart, my eyes meet his dark ones. “Only when and if you want, too, Mav.”

“I want it.”

I smile. “Okay then.”

We walk hand-in-hand to the gym so I can start healing the rogue wolves. I can’t keep the smile off my face. Yes, there is still much ahead of us. But I’m not alone anymore. I have a strong, gorgeous mate at my side. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

After

Rose

I stare at the roses on the end of the bed as a smile forms. I step close and pick up the small card.

Date tonight?

My smile widens.Yes.I send through the bond.

He answers immediately.I was hoping you’d say that. Do me a favor and go see Sara. She’s got everything you need for tonight.

I smile, even as confusion runs through my mind.For a date?

Yes.

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