Page 99 of The Healer

“I’m grateful you aren’t.” Capturing her hand, he pressed his lips to her knuckles and led her to an SUV parked out front. “Noah brought my car.”

She settled in the front seat. The interior carried the rich scent of Rhys’s cologne. While putting on her shoes, she had shoved her bank cards in her back pocket. She couldn’t expect Rhys to pay… “Let’s talk finances.”

He jerked back and flicked a startled glance at her. “What about them?”

“You don’t have a day job, so how do you survive?”

“Most shifters have work, but some serve the pack. Those with steady income help where it’s needed.”

She gaped. “So, any money I earn would—?”

“Go to our family, then to the pack. We also receive donations and have made investments.” He gripped and released the steering wheel. “All new. I haven’t been alpha long.”

“So, you wouldn’t mind if I bought things?” She placed a hand over his white-knuckled fist on the gear shift. “My parents made me independently wealthy. Whatever I want or need has been taken care of.”

His eyes bulged. “We’ll need to invest.”

“Dad already did. I’ll show you his documents. Maybe there are investments you might consider worthy.”

He nodded.

“I’m asking because some couples have joint accounts and others share living expenses but not their full earnings. Since my ‘marriage’ was a surprise, we haven’t had a chance to talk about this.”

“I won’t lie, Lona, money is a sore point. Alrik, the last alpha, squandered what we had. I’m trying desperately to feed and house my people unable to help themselves. The incident with George’s brothers highlighted a serious need. As you saw, your cabin was upgraded, and is the first of many.”

“Well, we’ll see how much disposable income I have and where we can plug holes.” She patted his hand. “With your big ass, we’ll need to buy an expensive leather couch.” She grinned at his snort. “On me, of course.”

He flipped his hand and laced his fingers through hers, lifting it to kiss her knuckles. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Yup, that’s the attitude right there for a successful marriage.”

“Mating.” He chuckled.

“You say potato…” She grinned, letting him navigate traffic to park outside a massive furniture warehouse.

Laughter followed as he tested couch after couch. The TV was a quick choice, the largest they had, but the couch? In the end, she put her foot down when he sprawled her across his lap. A three-seater, a two-seater in brown leather and with overstuffed cushions. For an extra fee, they would deliver that day.

When Rhys stopped outside a diner, her heart leaped to choke her.

“You did say apple pie.” He winked and climbed out the car, circling the hood to open the door for her while she struggled to control the urge to cry.

“I did, and damn, I love you for it.”

After cinnamon-apple-golden goodness with double whipped cream, they returned to his pack’s land. She didn’t know how big it was, but he parked outside a two-story building with a massive wraparound porch.

“This is the clubhouse, with bedrooms for those in need. It’s my office, so to speak. Let’s see who’s around.” He ushered her up the wooden steps and into the well-lit confines sporting haphazard furniture, a few desks, and stairs leading to the next floor.

“Rhys, and this must be Ilona, welcome.” A woman hurried to hug Rhys and offer Ilona her hand for a shake.

“Ilona this is Madison. She runs the school.”

While clasping the woman’s hand, Ilona gaped. “You have a school? How big is your land?”

He shrugged. “ A few hectares, I think.”

Madison laughed and brushed chestnut-colored hair off her face. “Rhys never was one for geography.”

“I know where Fenneg is.” He circled an arm around Ilona’s waist and tugged her against him.

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