Page 92 of Healer's Call

I sit up. “Could it?”

He sits up as well. “Doesn’t matter. It’s not going to happen.”

“But Mav, what if I could heal them?”

“Not going to happen.” Each word is slow and distinct.

“But if it could stop the attacks on your pack—”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters.” I face him fully. “We could stop the poisoning of your pack members. We could stop the attacks. We could keep not only this pack but other packs safe as well. They would no longer be a danger.”

“No!” His answer is so strong, it startles me.

“Why not?” I argue.

“Do you know what it would take to heal a rogue wolf?” His lips twist up into a snarl. “They’re wolves that have lost their souls. Do you know what kind of healing power it takes to restore a soul?”

I lift my head. “No, but—”

“I don’t either, and I’m not willing to risk it.” I open my mouth to argue, but he leans close. “I’m not willing to risk your life for something that we don’t even know would work.”

“But Mav, what if it could work?”

He stands up from the bed. “Not going to happen, Healer.”

“Oh, we’re back to that now?” I can’t stop the words as they tumble out.

He turns back to me, a crease between his brows. “What?”

“Nothing, Beta.” He frowns, and I shrug. “If you can’t call me by my name, I can’t call you by yours.”

He scowls. “Get some rest. I’ll be back in a few hours.” He’s gone a moment later, and I’m left staring at the closed door. I sit up in the bed, refusing to go to sleep because I’m frustrated. But nature takes over and eventually, I can’t keep my eyes open.

When morning comes, my spirit is a little better. I take the fastest shower in Mav’s shower, hoping he doesn’t come in. Once I’m dressed, I head out to check with Amber for the day. “Rose.” She sweeps me into a hug. “I’ve been so worried about you.” I blink back tears at her concern. Her eyes widen. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” I say, shaking my head. And then I decide to be honest with her. “It just feels good to be cared about,” I tell her softly. Her own eyes soften, and she pulls me in for another hug. “Well, we consider you family. You’re stuck with us now.”

“Wose!” a little voice calls out. Little arms wrap around my legs.

“See?” Amber says with a smile. “We’ve claimed you. All of us.”

I bend down and pick up the toddler. “I like your mermaid jammies.” She grins and buries her head in my neck. I take a deep breath and meet Amber’s eyes. “I’ve claimed you all too.”

“Have you eaten yet?” she asks as we walk further into the apartment.

“No.”

“Come join us. I was just making us some breakfast.”

I follow Amber into the small kitchen. “You cook?” I ask in surprise. “I mean. Okay, that was offensive. I didn’t mean it that way.”

She laughs. “I know what you meant. I do. Sometimes, I just want to have a homecooked meal at home with just my people.”

“I get that.” I sit at the small table and settle with Paige in my lap.

“It’s just toast and eggs and bacon. Nothing glamorous.”

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