Page 30 of Healer's Call

I sigh and sit back in my chair. “I really don’t know what to say. There isn’t really anything between us.”

Sam glances at Ava. “But I thought he was crazy when you were sick.”

“He was,” Ava admits.

“I really don’t think he was.” Ava gives me a look, so I change topics. “For the first several weeks here, he was comatose. And then I finally healed him. Wait,” I pause suddenly. “You shouldn’t be here. Not when you’re pregnant; it’s dangerous.” Wyatt faces Sam, and I can see the worry on his face.

“It’s fine,” she tells him. I can almost see the internal dialogue they’re having between them. “Worst case scenario, we’ll ask Sage to come.” That seems to pacify him because she turns back to me. “So, what happened when you got sick?”

“I don’t really know. I don’t really remember a whole lot.” I frown. “I remember waking up in Maverick’s bed.” Her eyebrows rise at that. “Not like that,” I say quickly.

“He carried her there after I healed her,” Ava chimes in.

“How bad was it?” Samantha asks her softly.

Ava doesn’t answer for a moment. “I really thought she was going to die. She was full-on convulsing and struggling to breathe.”

Sensing Ava doesn’t really want to talk about it, Sam pushes on. “How did Maverick respond?”

Ava shakes her head. “He was so mad. He was yelling at me, yelling at Cade.” She shakes her head again. “I’m just glad you were all right; I don’t think I’d be here right now if I hadn’t healed you.”

“That’s crazy, though. We haven’t even talked to each other in the time I’ve been here,” I argue.

“It doesn’t matter,” Wyatt says, jumping into the conversation. “Even if he’s been trying to keep his distance, if his mate was dying, he would have lost it. His wolf would have as well.”

Sam studies my face for a minute. “Have you talked about bonding at all?”

I feel my face heat. “No,” I say a little too quickly. “He doesn’t want to; I know that much for sure.” I look away from her face, not wanting her pity.

“I’m going to go check in with Cade and give you ladies some time,” Wyatt says, standing up. He kisses Sam and then disappears out the door.

Ava gives Sam an amused look. “Did you kick him out?”

“I didn’t kick him out; he just left on his own,” she says defensively. “Rose, I don’t think you’re seeing it clearly.”

“I’m not making it up. He hasn’t wanted anything to do with me since I got here,” I tell her.

“He calls me Blondie,” Ava says in irritation.

“Nowthatdoesn’t surprise me,” Sam says. She looks back at me, and I wait for whatever it is she’s going to say. “Rose, Mav is the one who called Wyatt and asked us to come.” I stare at her in shock. “I can see I’ve surprised you,” she says gently. “Listen, I’ll be the first one to say I don’t like him but—”

“I’m the second,” Ava butts in. “But,” she continues. “He’s different with you.”

I give her a skeptical look. “No, he’s not.” Ava shrugs.

“Well, if you want to talk, I’m always just a phone call away,” Sam says before standing up. “Now, I’m starving. Do you want to go out for dinner?”

“That sounds really good both for the fellowship and the food,” I tell her.

“Should you invite Maverick?” Sam asks.

“No, he won’t want to come,” I tell her quickly. “Ava, you’re coming, right?”

“I think I’ll just stay here,” she says.

“Nope. If I’m going, you’re going,” I argue.

“Why?”

---