Page 112 of Healer’s Betrayal

Kayla

Jackson and Noah and I end up staying in a small cabin that’s somewhat removed from the rest of the pack. We offered to let Jade stay with us as well, but she chose to stay in a room in the healing center where Sage and Paul work. She said she wanted to learn more about healing. I’m not going to lie; it’s been nice to be together, just the three of us. Ransom and Martin have both come to check in, and they both spent hours talking to Jackson. It’s been four weeks since we got here, and honestly, it feels like it’s only been one. The time has flown past, but it has been so good. Jackson and I have spent hours talking together and getting to know each other better. He’s gone on long runs in wolf form, but other than that, we’ve spent pretty much every moment together. Emma has been so kind to let Noah come over to her house for play dates with Daniel, her toddler and their baby, Jack. At first, I didn’t want him to because I was afraid Noah would think we were trying to ditch him; but Noah loves going there and playing with the boys. Emma said it’s a huge help to her, so it’s a win-win for all of us. Once a week, somebody from the Northwoods Pack drops off groceries on the front porch. I’ve had so much fun cooking with Jackson in the kitchen and learning what he loves and hates. I’ve tried in vain to get the man to eat vegetables; I’m pretty sure it’s a lost cause. The man won’t touch them.

I take the pan out of the oven and set it on the top of the stove. “That smells amazing,” Jackson says as he comes into the kitchen. I turn towards him, and my breath stalls in my chest. I finally cut his hair and his beard. If I’d known how sexy it would make him, I probably wouldn’t have done it. Jackson was sexy before, but a cleaned-up Jackson is devastating. The red in his beard is much more noticeable now. Seconds later, his arms are around me. I'm so used to it now, I’m no longer surprised by his touches. Who knew Jackson, leader of the rogue wolves, would love touch so much? The man is basically a cuddle bug, and I am the one to benefit from it. I lean my head back against his chest a minute.

“It’s a new recipe I tried for chicken enchiladas,” I tell him. “And I made that salsa we love.” He makes a deep sound in his chest, and I grin. “I think we’re ready to eat.”

“Is Noah joining us?” he asks as he picks up the pan of enchiladas and carries it over to the table. I grab the chips and salsa and sour cream and follow him.

“Emma said Garrett would run him over when he got home.”

Jackson frowns. “I’ll go get him; I don’t want him to miss dinner with us.”

I smile. “Okay.”

He grabs the keys to the vehicle the Northwoods Pack is letting us borrow. “I'll be back in a few.”

I grab foil out of the drawer. “I’ll keep the food hot.”

I feel a hand at my waist, and I turn to face him, knowing what’s coming. His lips touch mine a moment later, and I sigh against him. I don’t think Jackson’s kisses will ever not affect me. He pulls back too soon and touches my cheek. “I better go before I don’t want to.”

After he leaves, I finish getting the table set for dinner. I can’t help but think about his kiss and feel a little disappointed. There’s a knock at the door, and I walk over to the door, smiling when I see it’s Raechel at the door. “Hey,” I say, opening the door.

“Hey, Chica,” she says, brushing past me and inside.

“Come on in,” I say with a laugh.

I close the door just as she groans. “Oh my word, what is that smell? It smells amazing!”

“Are you past the queasy stage?” I ask, curious.

“It comes and goes, but right now, it’s long gone.”

I laugh. “Come on, Mama, let’s get you some food then.” I dish out a plate of chicken enchiladas and top it with sour cream and add chips and the fresh salsa I made. “It’s a new recipe; let me know if it’s good.”

She picks up her fork and then looks at me. “Where are Jackson and Noah?”

“Jackson just went to pick up Noah.”

Her face falls, and she looks down longingly at her plate. I can’t help my laugh. “You’re fine; you don’t have to wait.”

“Oh good.” I watch as she takes a huge bite and then groans. After she swallows, she closes her eyes. “This is soooo good.”

I grin. “I’m glad you like it.”

I sit across from her and pull out a few chips and dip them into the salsa. “Not that I’m not happy you’re here, but did you have a reason for stopping by?”

“Besides eating your food?” she asks with a grin that I find myself returning.

“Besides that.”

She takes another bite and then swallows. “No, I just haven’t seen you since you disappeared into your love coma with Jackson. I wanted to check on you and make sure you were still alive.”

“Love coma?” I ask dryly.

She wiggles her eyebrows. “Hey, I am a happily mated woman. I know what a love coma is.”

I break off a piece of my chip. “Yeah, well, whatever love coma you’re thinking of is not happening.”