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Jacee dug into her spaghetti, but noticed Sariel’s plate held salad and fruit. He picked at it more than he ate, but no one commented, so she gue
ssed this was normal behavior for him. The food was delicious, placed family-style in the middle of the table, everyone serving themselves. The setup and the talk all around her created a homey atmosphere she liked and had missed for a long time.
She should’ve known the peaceful interlude would be interrupted. After all, she was bound to face the music sooner or later. Jax’s voice sounded from the entrance to the dining room, and a woman laughed at something he said. Reluctantly, Jacee turned her head to look over her shoulder.
Jax spotted her at the same time, and whatever he’d been saying died on his lips. This caused his female companion to find the source of his dismay, and Jacee was soon being stared at like a bug in their soup. Awesome.
Not only that, but the other Pack brothers noticed the three of them facing off, and all eyes were suddenly on the unfolding drama. Talk around them died a painful death. So, Jacee did the only thing she could think of.
Getting out of her seat, she crossed the room and merely nodded and said pleasantly, “Jax, good to see you again.”
“You, too,” he managed.
Awkward. Then she gave Kira her most sincere smile and said, “You must be Kira. I’ve heard so much about you, especially how you’re responsible for starting Sanctuary.”
If the other woman had been expecting hostility or open warfare, she was apparently surprised. “Oh. Yes, well, it was a team effort. I enjoy my work there.”
“It shows. The facility is wonderful, and so is the staff. If it wasn’t for Sanctuary and qualified staff like Mac and Noah, Micah would be in real trouble right now.” Her voice wavered as she went on. “My mate means the world to me, so thank you for starting that place and making sure sick shifters and others like him have a place to heal.”
At that, a great deal of the cool, aloof demeanor about Kira vanished. Her expression warmed, and she took one of Jacee’s hands in hers. “I’m glad he and the others have somewhere to go, too. The doctors and nurses there are top-notch, and if anyone can get him well, they can.”
“We’re all pulling for him,” Jax added softly. “Micah and I started out in the Navy SEALs together, and we’ve been through a lot of shit. He deserves to be happy.”
“He’s my friend, too,” Kira said.
“I intend to make sure he’s happy and stays that way,” Jacee assured them. “He’s special to me as well.”
Everyone who’d been expecting a blowup went back to their meals with shrugs, and the tension popped like a balloon. Jacee doubted the three of them would be bosom buddies too quickly, but at least they wouldn’t kill one another.
“I’m glad you’re mated and happy.” Jacee gestured to them both. “You make a great couple.”
Jax grinned. “Thanks.” Kira echoed his sentiment.
Returning to her table, Jacee was met with the amused smirks of her companions. “What?”
Sariel tossed down his napkin. “Well, how disappointing! I was hoping for blood and guts. Where’s a good cat fight when you need one?”
“Dog fight,” Rowan corrected.
“Whatever.”
Aric chuckled, and Jacee sensed some inside joke in the exchange. But they didn’t explain, so she finished her dinner quickly, wanting to get back to Micah. When she was done, she wiped her mouth and stood.
“I want to get back, but thanks for the chat and the break. I needed that.”
“Want me to take over for tonight?” Rowan offered.
Aric nodded. “Or I can. You could go get some real sleep.”
“I couldn’t sleep if I was away from him, not knowing what’s going on. But thanks anyway, guys.”
Rowan stood and hugged her. “If you change your mind, give us a call.”
“Will do.”
Back in Micah’s room, Jacee settled onto the sofa close by. It was past nine o’clock, and he was sleeping soundly. Was the rasp in his chest better? His lungs sounded more clear. He certainly seemed to be resting much better, not moaning or tossing as he’d done before.
The bag of crimson fluid was more than halfway empty, and it would be a few hours before Noah returned with a fresh one. She watched her mate until she couldn’t keep her eyes open anymore.
