Page 85 of The Healer

Shyness struck, unused to such open admiration. Her fingers twitched to cover herself despite him having kissed every inch of her. When pain lanced across her right gluteus maximus, she yelped. “Did you just—?”

“Slap that ass? Sure did.” He grabbed her shoulders and spun her. “Go…shower.”

When she glanced back, he was yanking on his jeans. She shut the bathroom door on him making the bed. Faced with her reflection, she gaped. Having avoided the mirror since Coedwig, where she expected to see a jagged scar, ran a long silver line. “Shit.” She tilted her head to study it from all angles. This was…unbelievable. Stroking along it proved she wasn’t imagining it.

“From Dane or Dimitri?” That was the real question and having access to Rhys’s labs meant access to vampire blood too.

The only problem would be if the healing agent was in their saliva. Unraveling the bandage, the fine red line made her gasp. Healed, just like that. Slapping her thigh, she cursed. Of course, Rhys had shared his blood. She needed Evie to take another sample.

Ilona showered, hurrying through it, and was yanking on a T-shirt when Rhys called from the kitchen.

“What do you want for breakfast?”

Her mouth watered. “Salmon? Two portions. Menu on the fridge. Cash in the cookie jar.”

His voice rumbled as he made the call. When she strolled into the kitchen, he raised his gaze to meet hers and lingered enough to spark tingles. He hung up, placed his phone on the counter, and swept her into his arms. “I’ll never grow tired of looking at you, of holding you.”

She burrowed into his embrace, relishing the safety his presence brought.

“Your salmon is on the way. I also called the top-rated movers in the area. They’re sending someone around.”

She leaned back to kiss him. “Thank you. I’ll just pack the dinner set and stack it with the other boxes. There’s more in the study. I’m taking Mom and Dad’s medical books too.”

Rhys released her. “You listen for your sushi while I lug those to the door.” He bounded up the stairs before she could stop him.

Smiling, she folded a box and wrapped each plate, bowl, gravy dish with bubble wrap. One by one, she filled two boxes and slid them across the hardwood floor to the door.

“What can I bring? What furniture do I need?” She blew a stray strand of hair out of her vision when Rhys returned. Scanning the dining room table, the lounge suite, and the appliances, she tapped her chin, wondering if it would be easier to buy something in her style. “Never mind, I can shop when I’m there.”

“The cabin has the bare necessities, but I’ll have Noah clear and clean it before we arrive.” Rhys rested his hands on his hips and grinned at her. “Aiden will be happy to see you.”

“He’s in Inner City?”

Rhys chuckled. “Balls deep in a woman he’s had a crush on his entire life.”

“What?” Ilona squeaked.

Shrugging, Rhys twirled her on the spot so he could access the filtered coffee. “The Lunar Fest means matings and hookups as long as the moon remains full. It’s the shifter way.”

“Oh, so this…?” She gestured between them.

“Happened way before the full moon, sweetheart, and I don’t expect you to go into heat.”

“What? Shifters do that?” She fanned her burning cheeks. If she did, it would explain her uncharacteristic need to sleep with him. She snorted, like humans needed an excuse.

“The women do, and it alters their scents, driving the men crazy. Pheromones?” He arched a brow as if asking for clarity. “Anyway, no boundaries between packs exist during this time, and anyone can do anyone without repercussions.”

“My scent hasn’t changed.” She grinned.

“I beg to differ. You smell amazing, and it muddles my mind, sending me on a high.” He buried his face in her neck for another sniff then leaned back to offer her a coffee. “Two sugars and cream?”

She nodded, trying to hide her shock. He knew how she liked her coffee. Either he was super vigilant or he cared to learn. Well, they had a fourteen-hour drive ahead of them. Plenty of time to learn a few things about him too.

She sipped her coffee while he watched, his blue gaze intense. With that slow sensual smile that inflamed her senses, he flicked his hair out of his face. After moaning her pleasure when the sweet caramel smokiness coated her tongue, he poured himself a cup.

“While we wait for your…strange breakfast, why don’t you walk through the house for a final check?”

“What are you having?” She frowned. “I’m so sorry, Rhys. How selfish of me. I tossed out all the perishables including eggs and bacon. I can run to the local store—”

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