Page 93 of Healer's Call

“It sounds amazing.” I realize suddenly how hungry I am.

“Cade and Mav are going to join us,” she says as she puts food on a plate. “I reached out through the pack link and let him know you were here so he wouldn’t worry.”

“That’s fine,” I tell her.

“I can take her,” she says as she puts a plate in front of me.

“I’ve got her. You eat, Mama.”

“If you insist.” She sits in the chair next to me and takes a sip of coffee. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”

I shake my head. “I’m good. Thanks.”

“Is there anything she can’t eat?” I ask about Paige.

Amber laughs. “No. She definitely doesn’t struggle with an appetite.”

“Are you a big eater, Paigie?” I ask, tickling her belly, earning a giggle. I smile and put some eggs on the small fork for her. “Who’s hungry?” I ask her. I move the fork around, and her eyes widen and track the movement. Then I zoom it into her mouth. She smiles at me, and I can’t help but smile back. I see a movement out of the corner of my eye and look up to see Mav watching me carefully. I feel my face heat and wonder how long he’s been standing there.

Chapter 44

Rose

“Hey Mav,” Amber says without looking back. “You hungry?”

“Always.”

“Grab a plate and come sit. Cade’s coming in a minute.”

I cut up Paige’s egg and hand her the small fork while Mav fills his plate. When he walks past me, I feel the touch of his fingers across my upper back; and it takes everything in me not to shiver at the touch. I look up and catch Amber’s knowing smile. She looks back down and eats. He places something in front of me. “Tea,” he says when my eyes meet his.

My heart softens at the gesture. “Thank you,” I say softly. He nods and settles in across from me, making the space feel much smaller all of a sudden.

I take a sip of tea and close my eyes.Cinnamon, my favorite.

“Want coffee, Mav?” Amber asks.

“I’ll get it.”

“I’ve got it,” Amber says and stands up to get it. Moments later, Cade joins us. After kissing Amber, he walks over to Paige and crouches down next to her.

“Hey, Princess.” His voice is soft, and I look away, giving him the moment with his daughter.

“How are you this morning, Rose?”

I turn to look at him. “I’m okay.”

“I’m sorry about what happened. Jacob’s one of mine, and I’m sorry that I didn’t stop it from happening.” There’s genuine sorrow in his eyes.

“It’s okay, Cade. You didn’t know.”

“I should have.” He stands up.

“Here Love,” Amber says, handing him a plate of food. “Eat something.”

He sits at the table with us, and the-already small area seems to shrink further. But I relax the longer I sit there. Even though the stress of figuring out what’s going on is riding everybody hard, I have to admit, it feels really good sitting here all together. It’s almost like...we’re a family. A warm feeling bubbles up inside of me, and I can’t help the smile that breaks across my face.

“Did Mav tell you about the pack party tonight?” Amber asks.

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