“You could be.”
I shook my head. “No.”
“Your mom could use a voice—”
“I’ll help her myself. But I’m not joining the pack just to get leverage against my old man. When my knee is healed up, I’m gone.”
“What do you mean?” He frowned at my leg. “Your wolf healing working on government time or something?”
I sighed. “I don’t know. It patched itself to the point that I can walk. But not enough to do much else, including my job.”
“Huh.”
“What?”
“Sounds like some kind of block. When’s the last time you shifted?”
“Earlier tonight.”
After my mating bond had kicked in, my wolf wouldn’t chill out. I’d waited until dark and gone for a run up the mountain, just like the old days. Secretly, I’d hoped it would trigger the healing. Being back here. Letting my wolf loose on my old stomping grounds. But nothing.
I’d returned in the same condition as when I’d left.
“There might be another option,” Angus said.
“What option?”
“The witches.”
“I’m not a pack member.” And even if I was, there was no guarantee.
Angus shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to ask anyway.”
I thought about it, trying to decide if it was worth it. The witches didn’t do anything for free.
“All right,” I said eventually because it’s not like I had another choice. Unless I wanted to heal like a human.
For some reason, I thought of Cat. A magical healing would mean no more physical therapy. But it would also mean getting the hell out of here sooner rather than later.
“I’ll reach out to the coven. See if I can set something up,” Angus said.
“Thanks, man. I mean it. Not just for this. For my mom, too.”
“East, don’t even mention it. Time and distance don’t change a thing.” He shook his head like he could already read my next thought. “Neither do pack politics. We’re still brothers.”
8
Cat
My nerves kept me awake half the night. By the time I woke and showered, the idea of spending more time with East had me coming apart. On the third outfit change, Rudy poked his head in my bedroom and whistled low.
“Damn, girl. Travis doesn’t deserve this kind of revenge.”
“This isn’t for Travis,” I said.
Rudy’s eyes narrowed instantly. “Then who is it for?”
When I started to answer, he held up a hand. “And don’t say no one. Because a girl does not go to this much trouble before breakfast for no damn reason.”
I sighed. “I’m going to help Easton with his at-home exercises.”
Rudy’s smirk was a direct contradiction to the innocent way he batted his lashes. “Is that what the kids are calling it now?”
“Rudy, I will evict you.”
“The place is in my name, sweetheart. And I’m pretty sure the sheriff has a crush on me, so good luck with that.”
“Fine. I’ll withhold all details of my day.”
“You’re evil.”
Now, it was my turn to smirk.
“Fine.” He put a hand on his hip, trying like hell to keep the dirty innuendoes from infiltrating his expression. “What about the clinic?”
“Karen’s going to cover my patients this morning.”
Rudy didn’t answer, and I could see his brain working overtime right now.
“What?” I demanded.
“Nothing. I’m sure you two will have a wholesome time together.” His gaze slid to my tight jeans and the low-cut sweater he’d made me buy a couple of months ago because, according to him, it was a lethal weapon. “That outfit though…”
I swiped my palms down my thighs, my nerves making it hard to breathe. “Is it too much?”
“Hell, no. It’s perfect. Ghost boy won’t know what hit him.”
“I’m not trying to—”
“Yes, you are. And I completely approve. Now, go get him.”
Biting back a smile, I smoothed the tight jeans and white sweater one more time then fussed with my hair. I’d left it loose and long, my blonde waves hanging over my shoulders. It felt fancy somehow. Probably because I’d worn my hair in a practical ponytail for as long as I could remember.
I tried not to think too hard about why I was changing that now.
“You sure?” I bit my lip. “I mean, we’re doing physical therapy. Maybe I should stick to yoga pants and a messy bun.”
“If you change, I’ll hide your chemical coffee creamer and buy only sugar-free soy milk for the next month.”
I glared at him. “Now, who’s evil?”
“You’re welcome.”
He grinned and marched off, whistling.
I finished my makeup and rechecked my reflection four more times before heading for the coffee pot. Rudy met me there, a cup of coffee already poured and doctored.
“Bless you,” I said, taking the mug.
“Trust me, the Lord already did.”
I groaned. “I didn’t need to know that.”
He laughed. “Have fun playing doctor. I’ll see you tonight, and I expect lots of juicy details.”
He sailed out the door before I could answer.
Theater people were so dramatic.
Twenty minutes later, I rounded the drive and climbed the steps to Nicole’s. Already, I could hear the bustle of the breakfast crowd.
The last time I’d been inside was for a bake sale Nicole’s family had held after the most current renovation was complete. Easton had worked with the contractor for a summer job. He’d been so proud of his work. My mother had raved about the quirky architecture and rambling rooms, and Easton had eaten up her praise. It was one of the first times I’d realized how little positive reinforcement he’d gotten from his own parents.
I shook off the dark cloud that threatened to descend as I imagined what his childhood must have been like. I wasn’t going there. Mostly because it wasn’t my business anymore. I couldn’t let my feelings get in the way of the job I was here to do.
He wanted to heal and get out of town. That much was clear. Maybe where I couldn’t help all those years ago, I could help him now. With this.
With a deep, steadying breath, I marched up the steps and let myself in through the screen door. The place smelled like pine and coffee and I inhaled appreciatively. Memory had
