Page 51 of Healer’s Betrayal

I feel my muscles tighten. “Why?”

“We’re trying to track down other healers,” he says.

“To keep them safe,” Ava adds.

I narrow my eyes at that. “Why?”

This time it’s Jackson who answers. “Because we’re not the only people looking for healers.” The way he says it sends a chill down my spine. His blue eyes lock on mine. “There are dangerous enemies to healers out there.”

“Why?” my voice is nearly a whisper.

“Because our powers can be used for good but also for evil,” Ava explains.

“Ava was kidnapped and taken to a facility where they tried to drain her of her healing power to create something evil,” Bryce says, leaning forward.

I suck in a breath. “Bryce,” Ava hisses.

But Bryce doesn’t look away. “She deserves to know the threat.”

“Did they hurt you?” I can’t help but ask, horror in my voice.

Ava’s expression softens. “I’m okay; Bryce got me out of there. And I met Sherese there and got her out as well, so good came from it. But since then, we’ve been trying to track down other healers and warn them and get them to places where they will be safe.”

I squeeze my hands together to hide the sudden shaking. I look at Jackson. “Is Ransom almost to Noah?” There’s a quiver to my voice that I can’t hide.

Jackson nods. “He’s almost there.”

“Noah’s your brother?” Ava asks.

I nod. “How old is he?” Raechel asks.

“Seven.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t crack.

Bryce leans forward. “Kayla, I’m sure you have a lot of questions. We’re here to answer those questions. But first, we have a few of our own.” A shiver runs down my spine again at the intensity coming off him.

“Bryce,” Ava says softly, and the intensity seems to dial back at least enough that I feel like I can breathe again.

“Have you had any threats to your safety?” I instantly think of my uncle, but I don’t think that’s what he’s referring to. “Nobody out of the normal has approached you?”

I think of the men that took my money, but once again, I don’t get the feeling that’s what they’re talking about. “I don’t think so?” It comes out more of a question.

“Any really good-looking guys show up and try to talk you into going somewhere with them or anything like that?” Raechel asks.

I glance at Jackson. “Just this one. He keeps showing up at my restaurant.” I feel my face heat up at admitting Jackson’s a really good-looking guy.

Raechel grins broadly. “I see.”

“We can vouch for him,” Bryce says, but there doesn’t seem to be any love lost between the two men. “Anybody else?”

I try to think but come up empty. “I don’t think so.”

“What about this woman?” Bryce slides his phone across the table to me. I take in the man and woman smiling at the camera. The man has his arm slung around her the beautiful dark-haired woman. There’s something about her, something I can’t put a finger on.

“No.” I slide the phone back to him. “Sorry.”

“No, that’s good.”

“Who is she?” I can’t help but ask.