Page 18 of The Healer

“I can remember when you used to tear around this lake with Noah’s car keys or jeans in your jaw.” Rhys forced a chuckle, hoping to remind her he had known her since she was a cub.

“Um, yes, happier times.” She lowered her chin, trying to hide her flushed cheeks.

“Did Noah send you?” He knew damn well Noah hadn’t.

Since her purpose there was blatant, Rhys needed a way to extricate them both from a potentially embarrassing situation. She’d never shown interest in him. It had to be the lure of being an alpha’s mate. Yup, he couldn’t be there during the Lunar Fest, just in case. But then again, he couldn’t avoid the mating festival every damn month.

“No, I came here to…check on the cabin. To make sure it’s clean and usable.” She spread her red lips on a deep, relieved sigh, before flicking her blonde hair off her shoulders. Despite her beauty rivaling any suckblood, she wasn’t for him.

“Coffee?” What he wanted to do was roar at her to leave, to get the fuck away from him, but he cared about her, saw her as a sister when he’d never had the luxury of one. At Rhys’s suggestion, Aiden had left for Coedwig the moment he’d healed from Alrik’s bullying.

And Uncle Sean lived in Suddale with his human mate. He’d dated Miriam in secret, knowing how Alrik would react but also not wanting to abandon Rhys and Aiden until they could defend themselves. The wife joined her mate’s pack as per protocol, but Alrik would have killed Miriam on sight.

Rhys didn’t begrudge Uncle Sean his happiness even though he’d outlive a human. What Rhys missed was Sean’s wise counsel which had been his salvation since his parents’ died. He gritted his teeth at the reminder of their mysterious deaths. Something else he needed to add to his to-do list. Find their killers, although, it wouldn’t surprise him if Alrik had orchestrated the midnight attack. He’d done so before. Killing anyone who opposed his despotic rule. Still, Rhys needed to know without doubt.

“Thanks, I’m good.” She stumbled back, throwing out her trembling hands. “Let Noah know if there’s anything needing repairs.” And with a whiff of perfume mingled with her sweet youthful scent, she was gone.

He sighed, letting his relief sag his shoulders. That was a close call. It could have gone south with him rejecting Willow and breaking her spirit. This stilted interaction hadn’t dissuaded her. He had no doubt she would return with more courage, hoping to use her feminine wiles to seduce him. An alpha’s mate held too much power.

Shit. If little Willow thought he was an easy target, then all the unmated women under his protection would visit him in the near future.

He needed a wife.

Time away would help. Perhaps he would find a suitable woman not from Inner City. Putting the kettle on, he video-called his brother, tapping the teaspoon on the ancient hardwood counter, swaying his hips to the beat he created. No tune came to mind, but there was something primal about the rhythm, as if tribes summoned their warriors to war.

War? He wanted a vacation, but if his damned brother didn’t answer the phone soon, there would be a battle of note.

“Some of us work nights, y’know.” Aiden groaned, muffling his words when he ran his hand over his face. He squinted into the camera, waiting even as his eyelids drooped.

Rhys chuckled. Just seeing his younger brother was like a vise no longer limited his ability to breathe. “Some of us don’t care.” He tried to peer around Aiden crowding the video cam. “Got any space for your brother?”

“Shit, you’ve been ousted?” He scanned his room, giving Rhys a full view of his unshaven jaw. “My studio is too small. You’re going to have to squat with Dane, and he ain’t going to like it.”

“Relax, baby bear. I’m just visiting. I’ll check into your bed and breakfast.” Rhys spooned instant coffee into a mug, then poured in the boiling water, giving it a good stir.

Aiden grinned. “You are squatting with Dane. He lives there. Mrs. Cromwell still serves a mean breakfast. When will you be up? Tonight?”

“Yeah, am thinking about leaving as soon as I pack a few things.” Excitement had his bear pacing, and Rhys didn’t bother calming him. He hadn’t had a break in ages, and for once, he looked forward to time alone.

So, leaving for Coedwig was an easy decision.

“I’ll let Dane know you’re on your way.” Aiden tapped two fingers to his temple.

Rhys ended the call and sipped his coffee, savoring the bitterness, as he stared across the rippling silver lake reflecting the afternoon sky. After rinsing the mug, he donned his socks and boots. He grabbed the car keys, closed the cabin door behind him, then climbed into the SUV. En route to the lodge, he dialed Noah, informing him of the decision. He didn’t mention Willow’s visit, preferring to pretend it didn’t happen.

“It’s the Lunar Festival soon, Rhys.” Noah hesitated. “Be careful.”

No one needed to tell a shifter when the full moon was near. Attending a mating festival promised him a good time, or at least, a little relaxation. Still, he’d prefer one not so close to his pack. “Yes, Dad. I promise to use protection.”

“Ass.” Noah chuckled. “Want me to pack you a bag?”

“No, thanks. Knowing you, I’ll arrive there with a week’s supply of boxers and nothing else.”

Noah laughed. “Fair enough. I’ll call ahead and reserve you a room.”

“Thanks.”

Silence settled on the other end, and for a second, Rhys thought the call had dropped. “This is a good idea, Rhys. I miss my friend, the one who laughed and found enjoyment in everything life threw at him. Find him and bring him back with you.”

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