Page 67 of Healer’s Betrayal

“Just a few blocks down in those apartment buildings.” I point, and she looks in that direction.

“Come on. I’ll give you a ride.” I hesitate. “Come on. You're both shaken; let me get you home safely.”

I finally cave. “Okay. Thank you.” We follow her to her car, and Noah climbs in the backseat. I sit up front.

“So, I’m new to the area. You’ll have to tell me what’s good.”

I look over at her in interest. “Yeah? We are too. We’ve only been here two weeks, but it’s a really great town.”

“Yeah, I love what I’ve seen so far. Well, except for this morning.”

I grimace. “That’s the first time we’ve had any problems.”

“Good to know.”

It’s quiet as she drives. When she pulls into our parking lot, after I point it out to her, she drives right up to the front door. “Thank you. We really appreciate it,” I tell her before I open my door and climb out. Noah does the same and stands next to me. I bend over, so I can see her. “I just got hired at Mama May’s Café in town. It’s really good. You should stop by sometime.”

She smiles at me. “I will. Thanks.”

“When you do, your meal’s on me,” I tell her.

The memory fades, and I wonder if she planned it all from the beginning. She was the first friend I made here. I met her before I met Jessie, before I got to know Butch and Mama May. I remember when she came for the first time to the café while I was working, took one look at Noah sitting at the table while I worked and volunteered to watch him two days a week, the days she didn’t work. Now, I wonder if it was all a set-up. Did she know who I was from the beginning? Did she target me? I feel a tear drip down my face, and I push it away in frustration. Sowhat if she was my first friend? So what if she betrayed us? But the thoughts don’t push away the pain in my chest. Another tear tracks down my cheek. I become aware of a presence in the doorway. I don’t glance over, but I know Jackson’s there. I wipe my eyes again. I swallow hard and push my emotions away, forcing a smile. When I turn, Jackson’s eyes run over my face. I get the idea he doesn’t miss anything. He confirms it when he asks, “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. I’m just being emotional.”

His face doesn’t change. “You’ve been through a lot today. It’s okay to be emotional.” Those words coming from this man that oozes masculinity and has probably never cried a day in his life make me laugh. I wipe another tear away and walk towards him. I wait for him to move out of my way, but he doesn’t. “So which part from today is making you cry? It's not the deadbeat uncle right?”

I choke on a laugh. “No. I would never shed a tear over him.”

“Good.”

He waits, and I get the feeling he’s not going to let me out of the bathroom until I tell him. I finally give up trying to hold out and sigh. “Renee,” I finally tell him. “I thought she was my friend.”

“I’m sorry.” He doesn’t offer empty words, and I appreciate that.

Wanting to change the subject, I ask, “So the guy that was near me when I woke up, is he the doctor?”

He nods. “He and his mate helped you; she finished with your healing while he monitored you.”

I take that in. “I should probably meet them and thank them.” I look up at him. “Do you know which room they’re staying in?”

“I can find out.” His voice is gruff. He scowls. “They all keep giving me their phone numbers.”

His response makes me smile. “You probably hate that, don’t you?”

“I’m not in a pack for a reason,” he all but growls.

I want to dive into that more, but I also want to thank the doctor and his mate before they go to sleep. “Do you mind getting me their room number?”

He pulls out his phone and texts. A minute later, a text comes in. “Room 327.”

“Okay.” I don’t move, and neither does he. I remind myself that I’m pain free right now because of them, and it’s all the motivation I need to get moving. “I’m just going to run down there real quick. Do you mind staying here with Noah?”

I look up at him in time to watch his eyes track down the front of me. “You’re wearing that?” he asks, his voice low.

I glance down at myself. “Uh, yeah. It’s shorts and a tank.” I take in the expression on his face. “What? It’s not like I’m naked or something.” He growls low in his chest and palms the back of his neck before turning away. I follow him out of the bathroom and look for my flip flops. I find them near the front door next to Noah’s shoes. “I’ll be right back. Will you be awake to let me in? Or should I take a key?”

Jackson strides towards me and thrusts something into my hands. “I’ll go with you. Ransom’s coming to stay with Noah.”