Page 114 of Healer’s Betrayal

Jackson’s eyes narrow on her, and his eyes flash to mine. What’s she talking about?

There’s a knock on the front door, and Jackson stands. “That’s Max,” Raechel says, taking another bite of food. Jackson’s eyes meet mine as he walks towards the door.

“You said you weren’t going to say anything,” I throw out quickly once he’s gone. I hear the rumble of low voices, letting me know Max is inside now, talking to Jackson.

She scoops another serving onto her plate. “I did,” she says, taking another bite of enchiladas. I eye her plate, wondering if it’s like alcohol; and I should cut her off before she makes herself sick.

I scoop a helping onto Noah’s plate and pass him the chips and salsa. “That’s that new salsa recipe that we like,” I tell him, and he starts in on his food.

Jackson walks back into the kitchen with Max following him, and the kitchen suddenly feels incredibly small. “Hey, Max,” I say with a smile and a small wave. I never know how to act around him; he’s still incredibly intimidating. He nods at me before dropping his gaze to his wife.

“Are you going to acknowledge me, Mate?” he all but growls. “Or did I take second place to food again?”

Raechel takes the last bite of food on her plate and grins before standing up. “Good things come to those who wait, Big Guy,” she all but croons. Then she walks towards him and jumps him. My eyes widen when he easily catches her, and she wraps her legs around his waist and kisses him like he’s going to die in the next few minutes and this is their last kiss. I put a hand over Noah’s eyes and don’t meet Jackson’s eyes. The kiss continues, and I begin to wonder if we all need to leave the kitchen. Finally, she pulls back. Then she has the audacity to turn to me and grin and wink. “That’s how you kiss someone when they return.” My mouth drops open, and she turns back to Max. “Okay, Big Guy, let’s go home and get a good, sweaty workout in.”

“Raechel!” I say in exasperation, and she laughs.

“You are too easy.” Max sets her down, and she turns to me with a grin. Then she looks over at Jackson.

Oh no. I stand to my feet. “Raechel.”

“Your mate is desperate for some; you’d better give it to her before she finds someone else to—”

“Raechel!” I practically yell, just as Jackson growls low in his chest and stands. I feel the tension in our small kitchen skyrocket. I don’t miss Max step close to Raechel, and I try to think of what to say to diffuse the situation quickly.

“Don’t make her resort to the old-fashioned route.”

Knowing what’s coming, I turn and all but shove her towards Max. “Okay, it’s time for you to go.” She laughs, and I give her another push. Feeling desperate, I turn to her mate. “Max.”

He takes pity on me and wraps an arm around Raechel. “Come on, Angel.”

They walk towards the door, and I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s a moment too soon. “Go the old-fashioned route, Kayla. It works every time!” There’s a muffled sound, and then the door closes. I blow out a slow breath.

“What’s the old-fashioned route?” Jackson asks.

Chapter 51

Kayla

I whirl around. “Nothing.” He studies my face, and I really hope it’s blank. “Are you hungry?” He continues to study my face, and I know I’ll crack under that intense gaze that always sees too much. “I’ll warm up the enchiladas again; I’m sure they’re cold by now.”

A warm hand wraps around my elbow. “Kayla.” I close my eyes. He hasn’t called me that in weeks. “Talk to me,” he says in a gentle voice.

Tears threaten to build, and I inwardly scold myself. There’s no reason to be emotional; except there is. I know what time of the month it is. With my period just a few days away, I’m super emotional. I hate that I get like this. “It’s nothing.” But even I hear the catch in my voice. It’s quiet between us, and he drops my arm a moment later and walks into the kitchen. I give myself a moment to gather my composure before I walk into the kitchen with a smile on my face. Noah takes his last bite and walks over to the sink, rinses his plate, and puts it in the dishwasher before bounding out of the kitchen. I watch him go in confusion.

“Ransom’s on his way to pick him up,” Jackson explains.

I frown. “Ransom’s here?”

He nods. “He and Martin got into town this afternoon for the meeting tomorrow.”

“Oh.” I’d forgotten about it, but tomorrow’s the meeting with several leaders from different packs. “Are they staying for dinner?” I ask, ready to set out more plates.

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t want them to,” he says simply.