Read Taming a Healer: 3 (Galactic Lust) for Free Online

listening to everything she’d said as if
her thoughts mattered. Nine years ago, few adults had taken her seriously. The
hunters had. In particular, Gabriel had. At the time, she’d been their hope of
salvation. Of course he would’ve been interested in her.
    The pup began nuzzling, trying to find food. Its sharp
little teeth pierced her skin and she fumbled, trying to remove the tiny
hairball. “Ouch, you little demon! I’m not equipped to feed you that way!”
    He kept squirming and she feared hurting him with too hard
of a squeeze. Gabriel immediately came to her aid and reached inside the flap
of material to grasp the pup. Seconds later, she found herself unable to catch
her breath while she stared into Gabriel’s eyes.
    He eased the pup away and held it in his hand. His
fingertips brushed the single droplet of blood away from the top of her breast.
Hesitantly, he drew the front of the material together so that she was covered.
“Have I ever lied to you?” he asked calmly, stroking the small animal.
    She continued to stare while trying to make sense of his
words. The relentless heartbeat in her ears made it difficult to hear.
    “ Shae-shondah , answer me. Have I ever lied to you?”
    Without thought, she shook her head slowly. She couldn’t
look away.
    “I won’t in the time we have left. Do you believe that?”
    Stupidly, she stood there, mouth agape, taking shallow
breaths as she nodded.
    “I won’t hurt you.”
    The pain she’d felt nine years prior returned, washing over
her in burning waves of humiliation and then mortification. As an adult, she
could finally see he’d never intentionally meant to embarrass her. He’d never
been anything but kind and reverent toward her. Even though she suddenly
realized this, it somehow didn’t make any difference. What she’d felt nine
years prior remained part of her, locked away deep inside like a festering
disease.
    She’d loved him with all her heart. He’d pushed her away.
And now she hated him.
    Her grandmother’s voice filled her mind. To hate someone
increases the damage that was done. The only way to end the destructive cycle
is to forgive. Only then can you find peace and happiness. Only then can you
move forward.
    She took a single step back as he offered the pup by holding
it out. Carefully, she took the small creature and noticed the fine tremors in
Gabriel’s hand and arm. How much pain did he feel? How weak would he have to be
to shake so badly?
    “Nolan’s standing watch. I’m sorry for disturbing you.
Please, lay back down and rest,” she said quietly.
    Reluctantly, he turned away, dropped the sword and walked to
the spot where he’d been sleeping. He gingerly crawled under the covers. Facing
the fire, his eyes closed and within seconds, his breathing evened. He’d fallen
asleep.
    When the pup squirmed, she placed it on the ground. It
immediately wobbled over to her spilled meal. The small animal must’ve been
starving. It ate every last drop before curling into a ball.
    She watched as Gabriel’s entire body convulsed before
relaxing once again. As the minutes ticked by and she witnessed his suffering,
she found herself taking small, uncertain steps in his direction. Many years
ago she’d adored him. Whether some form of the attachment remained, or if her
vocation prompted her to move, she didn’t know. She understood however, she
couldn’t simply watch his torment.
    Standing directly beside him, a wave of warmth from deep
inside worked its way to her chilled skin. Her body dictated the course of
action she’d take. She stopped thinking about the past and hurtful memories.
She concentrated completely on what she would do next. “Ayasha, dear one, guide
me,” she whispered, pleading to her spirit guide and grandmother to assist.
    Heat radiated from her chest, down her arms before gathering
in her hands. She slipped the ballstic over her head and tossed it a few
feet away. The warm overdress wouldn’t be needed for the next