“Aw, thanks, Girls,” Raechel says, but even as she says it, she glances at me. In fact, they’re all looking at me.
“What?” I ask, not getting it.
“We came to see you fight, Sherese,” Samantha says.
My eyes widen in surprise. “Uh, why?”
“Because I called them and told them to come,” Sage says.
I stare at all of them, not liking being the center of attention. “Again. Why?” I’m not trying to be nasty; I just really don’t get it.
“Because you’re one of us,” Samantha says as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
I eye them skeptically. “I’m a vampire.”
“Yes, you are,” Samantha agrees.
“But underneath that, you’re a healer,” Rose says in a strong voice. “And that makes you one of us.”
“And we healers stick together,” Sage adds.
“Sooo,” Samantha says, drawing it out. “Sage called us and told us tonight was your big night. We wanted to show up and support you.”
I eye each of them. “And your mates are okay with all of you being in here with a vampire?”
Rose gives me a sheepish look. “Maverick might be right outside.”
“So is Wyatt,” Samantha adds.
“And Paul.” That’s from Sage. “But they’re out there, and we’re in here.”
Honestly, I'm shocked that they’re not inside. I’m shocked at this entire thing. “You all didn’t have to come. It’s not that big a deal.”
“We didn’t have to,” Samantha reiterates. “We wanted to, and it is a big deal. We’re totally cheering for you. We've needed someone to take Raechel down a few pegs for a long time. I would have come just for that if not for any other reason,” she says with a grin.
“Seriously,” Ava adds. “All the times she’s tried to get us to fight?!”
“Right,” Rose adds. “I mean, have you seen any of us fight?”
Raechel scowls. “You are all dead to me.” But a moment later, she strides towards the door. “Let’s go, my girls. The night is ours! Let’s go show our mates how it’s done.”
The healers all watch her go and then crack up laughing. I really don’t know what to make of all this. “I really don’t want to go tonight,” Ava says from behind us. “I hate fight night.”
“Liam put Bryce on the schedule for tonight,” Raechel calls out over her shoulder.
Ava brightens. “Really? Oooo. Where’s my snacks?!”
Rose and Samantha laugh, and we all head out. I follow them and stop at the sight of all the males on the front porch. It’s an intimidating group. Maverick, Rose’s mate and now the alpha of the Florida pack, pretty much just scowls at me. Wyatt, Samantha’s mate, gives me what I think is supposed to be a friendly smile, but he’s also an alpha...and it’s kind of showingright now. The doctor is a little more used to me, so he doesn’t react as strongly to my presence. And Max and Bryce must already be over at the fight. I keep my head down and try not to make eye contact with the males, hoping to appear less threatening. I am the furthest thing from a threat to their mates, but I know they don’t know that. I stop when I see the cars lined up. Ava notices and stops next to me. “We’re driving?” I ask in a soft voice.
“Yeah.” She glances up at me. “It will be okay. I’ll tell them you need to sit near the front.”
“No, don’t.” But she’s already striding away. She talks to Wyatt, who turns and looks at me. He talks to Maverick, who also turns to face me. Paul joins their group as well, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. Ava doesn’t. She turns to me and rolls her eyes. I can make it out even in the dark. She finally waves me over, and she and I settle in the middle seat behind Maverick and Rose. I guess Maverick got stuck with vampire duty. He doesn’t say a word, but Ava keeps the conversation with Rose going the entire way. I stare out the window and try to keep the unease in my chest from growing. While I want to do this, I really want to fight against Raechel. The challenge sounds really fun, but I dread showing up to an entire wolf pack. When we pull in and stop, I see Garrett waiting outside the building. I turn to Ava. “How’s Emma?”
“She’s doing well but taking it easy. She won’t be here tonight; she’s sitting this one out.” Maverick parks, and then it’s time to face the music. I open the door, climb out, and make my way to the alpha waiting outside the building.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sherese
