Page 85 of Healer's Call

I smile. “It’s okay. I want to stay.”

“How are things going with Maverick?” she asks quietly after a beat.

“I think they’re going okay,” I say, trying to be as realistic as possible.

“Are you sure? You can tell me if not. I’ll send Garrett to teach him a lesson if not.”

Her words make me smile and also make me curious. I wonder who would win in a fight in the ring with Garrett and Maverick. I shudder. I don’t think I would want to see that particular fight. “He’s been fine,” I tell her, so she doesn’t send Garrett down here on the next flight to “teach him a lesson.”

“If you’re sure.” She sounds uncertain, and it makes me smile.

“I’m fine but thank you.”

“All right. But if you need anything, you reach out.”

I nod. “I will. Thank you.”

“Ava, I’ll talk to Garrett as soon as we get off the phone, and we’ll make a plan to get you. Okay?”

Ava nods, and I can see the relief coming off her. I instantly feel bad and stay quiet as she ends the call. “You didn’t have to come with me or stay if you were miserable.”

She gives me a look. “Please. Like I was going to send you here with Maverick by yourself.”

“But you’re leaving me here now with him?” I say, sort of confused.

She shrugs. “I trust him now.”

My eyes widen. “You do?”

She scowls. “I mean he’s still a jerk, and I don’t like him. At all. But I trust him to protect you and take care of you.”

I stare at her, wondering what she’s seen to make her say those things. But as it always is, once she’s done, she’s done. “All right. Well, I’m going to start getting packed in the hopes they come for me in the next few days.”

And just like that, my emotions swell. I stand up, wanting to get out of there before those emotions release. “All right. I need to make my rounds but let me know if you need any help.” I’m out the door a second later, before she has a chance to see the tears in my eyes. I rest my head against the door for a moment and try to collect myself. When I hear somebody coming down the hallway, I quickly wipe my eyes and start down the hallway. I nearly groan when I realize it’s Jacob. He’s with another shifter I don’t recognize. I drop my head and try to walk past, but he sees me.

“Rose!” Knowing I can’t just ignore him, I lift my head and try for a smile. He frowns. “What’s wrong?”

Absolutely nothing that I want to talk to him about. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

He senses the lie, I’m sure; but thankfully, he lets it go. “When are you going to go swimming with us? I haven’t seen you at any of our pack gatherings. Is Mav hiding you away from us?”

I manage a small laugh. “No. I’ve just been really busy.”

He nods. “I get that, but don’t stay away. You can’t work all the time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Oh, this is Nick,” he says, motioning to the shifter next to him.

“Hi, Nick. Nice to meet you.” I shake his hand, barely taking in his features. I just want to get back to my room. “I’ll see you guys later, okay?” Without waiting for a response, I turn and start down the hallway. I'm almost to my room when Maverick comes out of nowhere and snags my elbow. Without a word, he directs me to his room. I’m too busy trying to get my emotions together to fight him. Once we’re in his room, he releases me and faces me.

“What’s wrong?” I keep my head down a moment longer, trying to compose myself. “Healer?” I lift my head, and every thought in my head goes blank. He’s staring down at me with...concern. The man who never wears any expression on his face unless it’s a cold smirk is staring at me like he...I don’t know what really. “Did somebody hurt you?” There’s an edge to his voice that I recognize. I shake my head quickly. “Healer, I’m getting impatient. You'd better tell me what happened before I take matters into my own hands and go find the person who did this.”

A small laugh escapes me. “Mav, you should know by now that I cry all the time. Often for no reason at all.” I sniff. “I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong.” I will him to believe me. I don’t want him to think I’m sad to stay here. I want to be here; I really do. I'm just sad right now that Ava’s leaving.

“There are a million expressions flitting across your face, but I’m not fluent in healer yet to know what they mean.”

I smile despite myself. “Well more power to you on that one, becauseIdon’t even know and understand all my emotions.”

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