Page 55 of Challenged Mate
I loved fajitas.
“I do.”
“Good.” Axel shot me a grin before turning back to look at the pan. “How are you adjusting to life in the pack? Is everyone treating you well?”
Between Chase and Kayla, I was sure he already knew the answers to his questions.
Still, I answered, “It’s fine.”
“Fine is the universal sign for ‘not fine’.”
Even though he couldn’t see me, I shrugged. “Well, it’s not exactly the life I wanted for myself. It’s going to take more than a week for me to really befine.”The moment the words left my lips, I cringed.
I was glad my anger had returned—it was a familiar friend I needed to get me through my days—but I needed to be tactful about when to release it.
Venting served no purpose in my current situation.
Instead of being offended, Axel nodded as he stirred the chicken with a wooden spatula.
A thick strand of hair escaped my ponytail and fell over my eyes. My fingers brushed against my brow to gather the strands, wincing when they came in contact with a nasty cut I hadn’t realized was there.
Axel turned around to grab the chopped vegetables he’d placed on the island in time to see me wince. “Would you let me heal that? It looks ready to break open.”
My brows rose, tugging the cut uncomfortably. “You’re a healer?”
“Everyone with magic has basic healing powers,” he told me. “But my mother was a particularly gifted one. She taught me everything she knows.” He lifted a hand. “May I?”
I nodded and braced myself as he rounded the island, drawing closer.
His touch was gentle as he placed his fingers close to the wound. I held my breath. I didn’t know what I expected. A spark? A flutter of nerves? Warmth?
I felt nothing.
My body didn’t react to Axel’s touch—not like Asher’s.
I looked up. Axel was focused on my cut. He didn’t see the host of emotions I struggled to hide from my face
A very small, stupid part of me had hoped I would feel something when Axel touched me. Even if it was nerves. I just wanted the reassurance that I would be able to react to another male’s touch. Someone who wasn’t Asher.
But that hope was… well…hopeless.
Fated mate bonds were coveted for a reason. They were the real deal. And no relationship would ever compare.
Seconds later, Axel stepped back. “There. All better.”
I reached up and touched mended skin. The wound was completely gone.
“Wow.”
Axel hadn’t even uttered a spell and I didn’t see a glow of power.
“Was that a spell or…?”
Axel moved back to the stove, taking the cut vegetables with him. He tossed them in the pan with the chicken. “No spell. My healing magic is tied to my will and touch. To use it, all I need to do is make contact with the injured and then imagine the wound healing.”
“I’m going to guess not everyone heals that way.”
He chuckled, stirring the vegetables. “You’d be correct. It’s one of the perks of having a pure-blooded sorceress as a mother. I’m certain you will have some impressive abilities once you manage to completely remove your mother’s protective barrier.”
