The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 857

"You're way too good of a person, Dr. Sloan. I really shouldn't have treated you like that," Tate mumbled, shifting his massive weight. "Thank you for saving him. He's practically my blood brother. I owe you my life for this. Seriously, you ever need anything, I'm your guy."

Seeing how adorably awkward and earnest the battle-hardened man was, a genuine smile touched her lips. She knew that if she didn't give him some kind of definitive absolution, his guilt was going to eat him alive.

"Alright, I appreciate the gesture," Leilani said gently. "And since you've apologized so sincerely, you are completely forgiven. Now, stop wasting time on me and go keep an eye on Konrad. He shouldn't be left alone right now."

What she didn't say was that she desperately needed Tate to stop following her around like a lost puppy before Callahan’s legendary jealousy flared up again.

Hearing that he was truly off the hook, Tate let out a massive sigh of relief and thumped his chest with a heavy fist. "You got it! I'm on it!"

He turned to dive into the tent, then froze. Fumbling frantically through the pockets of his tactical vest, he pulled out a small bundle wrapped in fresh leaves and shoved it into Leilani’s hands.

"I picked these in the brush this morning," he blurted out. "We eat 'em all the time on missions to stay hydrated. They're super sweet. Try 'em. Oh, and don't worry—they aren't poisonous!"

Before she could even respond, Tate practically dove into the tent, his broad back radiating nervous energy.

Leilani looked down at the dew-covered leaves in her hand. Peeling them back, she found a handful of plump, vibrantly red wild berries.

She’d actually known he was tailing her the entire morning. A guy his size wasn’t exactly built for stealth in thick brush; she would’ve had to be deaf not to notice him. She just hadn't realized when he'd managed to sneak off and gather berries.

Leilani offered him a guilty, placating smile. "I'm fine, aren't I? I didn't go far, just skirted the edge of the perimeter."

She had originally planned to wake Abel to guard her, but once she heard Tate crashing through the bushes behind her, she figured she was covered.

Callahan looked like he wanted to yell at her, but knowing she had risked herself to save a dying man, he swallowed his anger.

"If this ever happens again, you wake me," he said, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument. "Promise me you will never wander off in this jungle alone again."