Page 74 of Healer’s Betrayal

“No. Never.” He’s adamant.

“Okay.”

“Thanks, Kayla,” he says softly. It’s quiet again, and I move my pillows into a more comfortable position. He moves away; I can only tell because I don’t really feel him nearby anymore. I roll over and try to go to sleep, but I can’t. I debate what I’m about to do a hundred times before I finally commit. “Jackson?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve got something that might help you.” I pat the bed next to me and then remember it’s dark. “I’m patting the bed next to me.”

“I know; I can see in the dark.”

“Well, that’s a nifty trick.”

“Part of being a shifter,” he says, but I swear I can hear humor in his voice.

“Okay, well since you can see, get over here.”

“Why?” he questions.

“I’m going to try something on you that I used to do for Noah.”

“Should I be offended that you want to try something that you used to do on your brother who’s only seven?”

“No. Now, come on. I’m tired and want to go back to sleep.”

“What do you want me to do?” His voice is much closer now.

“Lay on this side of the bed.”

It’s quiet a moment. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Oh, for Pete’s sake, it’s not like I’m going to force myself on you or something. Come lay down.” A minute later, I feel the bed dip. “Now, was that so hard?” I ask him.

“You have no idea.” His voice is low and growly again. I move towards him carefully and then frown and listen to him for a moment.

“Why are you breathing funny?”

“You wouldn’t understand,” he says.

I scowl in the dark at him. “Try me.”

“I’m trying not to breathe in your scent.”

I freeze, and panic fills me. “Do I smell?” I ask in a horrified whisper.

“No. It’s worse than that.”

“What could be worse than stinking?” I ask, my horror growing.

“You smell incredible; I can’t think about anything else and that’s dangerous.” I suck in a shaky breath at his words. “Too much?” he asks.

“No, not at all.” My voice is breathless.

“Too much,” he growls.

I blow out a breath. “Okay, maybe a little. Now, let’s put all that aside and focus. This is something I used to do for Noah when he couldn’t sleep.”

“So, you’ve mentioned,” he grumbles.