Page 73 of The Packaged Deal
I watch as she claps her hands, her eyes so proud, the lights of the chandeliers reflecting off her face. Sven gives me a nod, a wicked smile on his face. He’s always told me how good he knows I am.
“Thank you. Thank you. Being a doctor is something I felt called to do, ever since my mother was first beaten by my father. I swore I’d learn how to fix her wounds.”
I don’t know why I’m saying this. All I know is that Jade is smiling, nodding, and it feels right.
“My mother is proud of me, and she’s safe now. I want that for every person in this society. To have a safe place to go when they’re hurting.” I take a breath and exhale. “It's why I’ve decided not to leave Silver Falls and will be handing in my resignation at the hospital and taking a position at the refuge full time.”
Jade claps loudly. I don’t care; I see only her. The pride and happiness on her face. My speech finishes in a blur. I don’t know what I say, I just keep looking at her.
As soon as I get close, she throws herself into my arms.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong?”
“You’re staying!”
I smile. “I told you I was.”
“But now it’s official. Now, everybody knows.”
“Yes. That’s how it works.” I tease and brush my fingers down her back.
She hugs me tighter. I lift my eyes to meet Sven’s. He reaches out and squeezes my hand.
“Happy for you.”
I frown at him. He turns and leaves.
“Kandi?”
“On it.” She races after him.
“Oh, excuse me, but Doctor Shultz, could I get a word quickly?” A stranger asks. I turn and find a matronly omega with steel hair and kind eyes staring at us. She smiles, and it includes both of us. I relax as Jade takes a breath and leans into me.
“Do you want to come?” I look down at the omega in my arms.
“Oh, no, I’ll meet you out there. Go do your work.” She smiles sweetly.
I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Just follow me, stay close, and wait for Sven or Kandi. I’ll be right here.”
twenty
Jade
Ashort conversation turned into twenty minutes. There’s no sign of Kandi or Sven, and I’ve wandered to the wall to look at this strangely compelling abstract painting. I can’t decide if I like it or not.
“Jade Greenway, what are you doing here?”
My back stiffens as memories crash over me, unpleasant, unwanted memories.
I turn with a smile pasted on my lips. That distinctive olive oil and cough medicine scent is impossible to forget. No happy moment comes without a test of our strength, and I guess I’m due.
“Pack Lovehard. How good to see you again! I trust you’re well.” I keep my voice measured, but I do not hold out my hand, nor do I move closer.
The alpha is about a head shorter than Adrian, but somehow, he still manages to try to look down on my alpha who hasn’t even noticed the man appeared.
“I see you found…uh, someone who’s suited to your peculiar tastes.”
I glance at Adrian, who is still talking to Taylor Knight.