Page 101 of Healer’s Betrayal

Probably, but my wolf will continue purging it from our system.

How did you know I needed you? I ask.

He's quiet a beat. I’d started losing consciousness for hours at a time. During the times I was lucid, I would plan how to get free and find you. But then consciousness would fade before I could do anything. But when your panic slammed into me, my mind instantly became focused. I freed myself and came to you. And now, we’re here. In a bucket.

Somehow, even in the midst of everything going on, I want to laugh. I lean my head against his strong chest. I’m just glad I’m not alone anymore, laundry cart or not. He shifts again, and this time he slides his arm under my body and pulls me towards him. By the time he’s done, I’m half on top of him. It’s definitely not uncomfortable; that’s for sure. Is this okay? He asks at the same time I’m pretty sure he sniffs my hair.

I’m sure I stink.

Baby, you have no idea how good you smell. Your scent is the most addictive thing on this planet. The tension in my body releases, and I relax more fully against him. He runs his hand up and down my spine in a soothing motion, and I’m pretty sure I could fall asleep just like this. If everything we’ve been through led to this moment right now, I’d do it all over again. He's so serious, and I bury my face in his chest. It feels good to just be held. Did they hurt you?

I tense at his question, and he runs a hand down my spine once again. I’m okay now.

Not my question, he growls.

They weakened me by taking my blood, but it wasn’t until last night and today that anybody actually tried to hurt me. And that guy...

Is dead, he finishes for me.

Yeah. Thank you.

He pulls me closer, and I relax more fully against him. Jackson, I realize that we’re hiding and currently in a very dangerous situation, and yet, I’ve never felt safer. I want you to know that. I’m also fairly certain that means there’s something wrong with me.

His hand on my back tightens. It doesn’t. I feel the same way. He pulls back and meets my eyes. I don’t know what the next few hours hold, but I will get us out of here. Because you and I have a life to get to.

I blink and stare into his eyes. Do you mean that?

He frowns. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.

I want that, I tell him honestly with a certainty that’s straight from my heart. I know we’re still at the beginning stage of our relationship, but I’ve never felt this way about someone before. Well, except for Noah.

He cringes. Please tell me you don’t feel like I’m a brother to you. That’s really not what I was going for. My shoulders shake with my laugh, and I push my face into his chest. Kayla?

I finally pull back, but I’m still smiling. Believe me, I don’t feel the same way about you as I do about Noah.

Good, he growls.

I want a future with you, Jackson. I don’t think I’ve ever put my heart on the line like I am right now. But there’s something about being in the kind of danger we’re in that shows me exactly what’s real and really matters and what’s worth chasing after.

His arm around me tightens, pulling me closer to him, if that’s even possible. You and me and Noah...together. That’s the only future I see.

I blink back tears at his words because I didn’t want to ask. Noah? Are you sure?

Absolutely.

I settle more firmly against him. Can you tell me about you?

What do you want to know?

Everything. I want to know how you became the man you are today. I want to know your fears, what excites you, what dreams you have for the future...everything.

That’s a lot to share, he says in response.

I eye him. Do you have anywhere else to be right now?

A smirk pulls at his lips. No.

Well, what a coincidence because neither do I.