Page 69 of Healer’s Betrayal

Chapter 29

Kayla

I shake my head. “Oh yeah. Apparently, I wasn’t covered up enough or something.” That’s enough to make Sage laugh.

“They’re all the same.” I glance up at Jackson, but he doesn’t comment on it. “Come on in.”

I haven’t failed to notice that the guy who opened the door for us is standing right beside her now. “Hi, nice to officially meet you. I’m Paul.”

He doesn’t put his hand out, so I don’t either. I look between the two of them. “So, I hear you two are responsible for getting me back on my feet. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Sage says warmly. “How are you feeling?”

“Perfect.”

She smiles. “Good. That means we did our job.”

“I feel bad you came all this way.”

“Don’t,” Paul says. “Sage would have found a way to come meet you anyway.” His voice is filled with affection.

“Why?” I can’t help but ask.

“You’re one of us; I had to meet you,” she explains.

“A healer?” I question.

She nods. “Yes. Do you two want to sit for a minute or two? I’m sure you’re exhausted; we won’t keep you long.” She sits on the bed, and Paul leans against the end table, leaving the small couch for Jackson and me. I sit, but Jackson leans against the wall behind me. I turn to look at him, but his eyes are trained on Sage and Paul.

“I don’t really know anything about your world. I just learned about the whole wolf thing today,” I admit.

Sage’s eyebrows lift. “Really?”

“Yep.”

“That’s a lot to get hit with,” Sage says cautiously. “How are you doing with all of this?”

“You know so much has happened today; I feel like this is just...” My words trail off as I try to find the right ones. I meet Sage’s gaze and see so much understanding. I guess that’s why I blurt out the next words. “Jackson killed my uncle today.” There’s silence in the room for a moment. Sage looks between Jackson and me. “That’s a good thing,” I add a moment later.

“Is he the one that did all the damage to you?” Paul asks.

“Yeah. Family, right?” Nobody laughs. I pat my legs. “Well, it was nice to meet you both. I’m ready to get to bed; I’m sure you are as well.” I stand up, and Sage does as well.

“It’s really good to meet you, Kayla,” she says earnestly. Then she surprises me by giving me a hug. I tense and then berate myself for it. “It gets better; I promise.” She whispers softly against my ear before pulling back.

Paul steps up behind her and puts his hands on her shoulders. “It’s nice to meet you both. Kayla, if you have any lingering pain, let us know before we leave tomorrow afternoon.”

“I will. Thank you, both of you. I really appreciate it.”

Paul nods, and Sage smiles at us. I walk over to the door, and Jackson opens it for me. My mind buzzes as we walk down the hallway to the elevators. “Is it okay if we take the stairs?” Jackson asks.

“Oh, sure.” I walk towards the end of the hallway and glance up at him when we get to the door to the stairwell. “For the exercise?”

“My wolf doesn’t like enclosed spaces,” he explains.

“Oh.”

We make it to the first landing before he speaks. “I’m not going to apologize for killing your uncle.”