Page 5 of The Healer

“Don’t stop. I liked it.”

Her blush deepened. “I shouldn’t have…”

“We’re shifters, touch is natural.”

Nyx looked anywhere but his face. They’d reached the edge of the town proper. “You can put me down now.”

“If that’s what you want, princess.” Marche gently set Nyx on her feet. She went to step away when he took her hand and lifted it to his cheek. Her fingers twitched as his stubble tickled her palm. He smiled, his lip ring winking at her. “Don’t isolate yourself.”

“I’m not.” Her tone held more defensiveness than she would have liked.

Marche smiled gently, leaning his cheek into her palm. “I know your heart is hurting right now, but it’s not broken. You’re surrounded by people who love and care for you. Don’t pull away.”

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. They’d been doing that more often. “I’ll try.”

“That’s all we can ask.” He pulled her hand from his cheek and laced their fingers together. “Now, let’s go see how manic Brine is.”

Chapter Three

BRIGGS

Five YearsAgo

It had takentwelve weeks for the wounds on his back to heal. Six months for Briggs to stop flinching anytime someone touched him. A year to find his new calling. And two years for Pyre to hunt down and kill the monster that had haunted Briggs’ nightmares for years.

He picked up the bandages and organized them on the shelf.

Even thinking of his old mistress made his skin crawl. With her death, he’d thought there’d be a measure of peace, but the damage had already been done. She’d destroyed more than just his skin. Lorina had stolen his future.

Briggs’ claws lengthened and he exhaled heavily, eyes closing, as he tried to regulate his emotions. She didn’t deserve any space in his thoughts. She’d been wiped out from the world and had no control over him any longer.

“Briggs?” a sweet voice called, one that haunted his dreams.

He opened his eyes and smiled weakly at Nyx, who hovered in the doorway. She was a ray of sunshine to those around her. He still didn’t know why she or her brother had forgiven him after he’d almost killed her two years prior. Even now he could remember the bruises he’d left on her body. It sickened him.

Her smile faded, eyes scanning his face. “You okay?”

He nodded. “Just finishing up with some organizing.”

“Good, that can wait. I need your help with Mr. Coalre. His bandages need to be changed and I can’t move him by myself. Help me?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

As if he could say no or would say no.There was just something so compelling about Nyx. She made you want to be her friend and to smile.

“Come on then.” She turned on her heel and flounced out the door.

Briggs removed his apron and tossed it over the worktable, following her out the door. He paused just outside the infirmary, his brows furrowing as the scent of something delectable hit him. He sniffed, savoring the mouthwatering burnt vanilla scent lingering in the breeze. Who was baking? He’d have to investigate once their house call was finished up.

He shoved his hands into his trouser pockets, already having lost sight of Nyx. The girl could run. He smiled, remembering the last spring festival. She’d beaten everyone with ease. The way she moved was captivating, and Briggs wasn’t the only one who noticed. Every unmated male under the age of twenty-five watched her with covetousness. And it bothered him.

She was a treasure to be protected. None of those boys could take care of her.

And you can?

Briggs brushed away his errant thought. Nyx was younger by several years and she had the whole world ahead of her. True, her life hadn’t been easy, but she rose above it. She keptchoosing to bring light into the life of others. His friend was remarkable. He truly thought himself lucky to have gained her as a friend. He didn’t deserve her, that’s for sure.

“Hey, so I’ll—” Nyx crashed into his chest as he rounded the corner of the nearest building, and he caught her as she stumbled back. “Sorry!” she squeaked. “I didn’t mean to…”

Her words faded into the background and all he could do was try not to drown in her incredible scent. Blackcurrent, burnt sugar, and vanilla.

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