Page 85 of Healer’s Betrayal

“Think of something you want to tell me, but think of—” he pauses. “I guess think of telling only me. Maybe? I don’t really know; I’ve never had to explain it before. Just try; I think it will work pretty easily.” I try to think of something to say to him and come up blank. After a minute, he smirks. “Don’t overthink it; just think of something you would say to me.”

You smell good. He doesn’t say anything. “It didn’t work, did it? I can try again.”

He squeezes my hand gently, stopping me. “It worked.”

“Oh. Are you sure?”

He chuckles. “Yeah. You did good.” I watch him, and he finally turns to me. “Hearing your voice in my head is the second best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

My interest is piqued. “What’s the first best thing?”

He doesn’t skip a beat. “Meeting you.”

Chapter 36

Kayla

“So, how can you talk to Ransom through a pack link if you’re a rogue and don’t have a pack?” I ask him.

He’s quiet a long moment. “I claimed Ransom as pack when I was strong enough to do it. It was more for safety than for anything else. All we had was each other, and we needed to be able to communicate with each other mentally. But he’s the only one.”

“So, you were a pack of two?”

He nods. “Yeah. Even now, he’s the only one that I’ve claimed as pack.”

I want to ask more, but I don’t want to push him. I sit back and enjoy the drive instead. It takes a while for us to make the drive back, but I enjoy it. It’s so peaceful; I appreciate that Jackson doesn’t make it awkward. We can sit in silence and enjoy it. Today, that feels like a gift. With my mind being on overload like it is, it’s nice to not have to think. Jackson glances over at me, eyebrows furrowed. But when he doesn’t say anything, I go back to looking out the window. It takes nearly an hour and a half to get back. “I didn't realize we’d gone so far,” I tell him when we get close to the hotel. “I don’t regret it, though,” I hurry to add. “This has been so relaxing and enjoyable.” I turn to him and put a hand on his arm.

He frowns at me again. “Are you bleeding?”

My eyes widen. “What?”

“I just scent your blood. I thought I was mistaken before, but I don’t think I am.”

I quickly assess, and mortification sweeps through me followed swiftly by dread. “Oh no.” My voice is quiet. I’d been feeling cramps earlier but just dismissed it, but I can’t any longer. I close my eyes a moment, and I feel a hand on my knee.

“Kayla?”

I open my eyes and meet his gaze. “Well, I guess if we’re in a relationship, this is all part of it. The good, the bad, the embarrassing?”

He doesn’t bat an eye. “Yeah.” Understanding dawns on his face. “What do you need?”

I sigh and look out the window. “I’m scared to get out of the truck. My period’s have gotten worse over the past year or so. They come on really hard and fast. It’s okay if I’m prepared for it. But if I’m not? Like today?” I let out a little chuckle. “It’s several days early.” I eye the door. “We have a key card to get in the side door, right?”

“Yeah. I’ll get you in. Do you need me to run to the store for you?”

I wave off his concern. “I’ve got some stuff in my purse. I’ll see what I’ve got and go from there, but I’ll probably have to go inside and change first.” I laugh and then groan. “I can’t believe I’m telling you all this.” I put my hand over my face, but he gently pulls it away.

“A little blood doesn’t scare me.”

I laugh again. “Not a little blood,” I mutter.

“Hey,” he waits until I face him. It takes me longer than I’d like to admit. ”I’ve got you. I want you, all of you. This is all part of it.” He takes my hand and squeezes. “Let’s get you inside.”

He climbs out of the car and comes around to my side. I take a breath and open my door and slide out. My stomach cramps, and I shake my head. I glance at the seat behind me, but thankfully, the seats are dark. Then Jackson’s in front of me. Swallowing the last of my dignity, I look up at him. “Can you check my shorts?”

He starts to grin. “Are you asking me to check out your—”

I groan. “Forget it.”