Page 105 of Second Chance Mates

His brows raise as if he knows better. “We both know this is going to take some time for you to adjust to, Ava. Please, let me focus on you for the next few days.”

A sigh escapes my lips. There is no point arguing with him when he’s like this. I’ve seen the protective side to him, and I know he will go to the ends of this earth to make sure I’m okay.

“Can you get him some food and water?” I ask. “He deserves that at least. He deserves more.”

Jaxon stares at me for a long moment before nodding. “Okay. I’ll make sure he’s seen to once the others are gone and I have a chance to think about it.”

“Thank you.”

He jumps down from the boulder and holds out his arms. “Jump.”

I do because I trust him. He catches me effortlessly in his muscly arms and carries me back to the pack house. I lay my head on his shoulder and inhale his scent. My eyes close when it hits my nervous system. The beat of my heart begins to slow, and despite being told I’m strong, I’m glad I have Jaxon to help me through it.

Soon, I’ll believe it for myself.

I did what I thought was impossible today.

That is something I will be forever proud of.

35

JAXON

“They’re ready for you, Alpha.” Jon bows his head.

Kayden approaches my side as I breathe raggedly through my nose. “Thanks, Jon,” he says. “You ready for this, Jaxon?”

I grit my teeth so hard I hear them grate. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Then, let’s make them suffer.”

We head down to the dungeon in silence. I don’t speak in an attempt to keep my head clear. I don’t want this to be quick; I want this to last all night. It won’t make up for the years of pain Ava had to endure, but I’m going to make it feel like an eternity.

Lucien and Damon are strung up by their wrists to the ceiling. The silver digs into their skin, leaving red marks across their hands. Both are naked. Both are unconscious. Both have no fucking idea what I’m going to do to them.

“What’s the plan?” Kayden asks darkly.

I stroll forward through the cell door and push my sleeves up to my elbows. “This,” I murmur before tightening my fist and punching Lucien in the face with racing adrenaline.

Blood splats the air, and within seconds, Lucien takes a choked breath. I hear his lungs start to work and his throat hiss when he tugs on the silver restraints. He glances up with his bloodshot eyes.

“Fucking bastard,” he heaves, blood dribbling down his chin.

I don’t waste my energy talking. I’ll only wind myself up further. I stand back as he attempts to steady himself in his uncomfortable position. My head twists towards Damon, who is still asleep in his magic-induced state. I don’t hesitate to meet him with the same fate.

The sound of bones crunching meets my ears, and I already know I’ve broken his jaw beneath my knuckles. Blood coats his face, and he releases a groan of pure agony. My nose twitches in disgust as his lifeless eyes find mine.

“Do your worst,” he grits, blood smearing his deteriorating teeth.

I push my sleeves up further and compose myself. Kayden moves to my side, and I spare him a quick glance. “Hand me the knife.”

The corner of Kayden’s lip tips an inch. He steps back to the tray of objects, weapons, and tools. The sound of the sharp edge brushing the metal table rings in the cellar until he places it in my hand.

I take one step towards Damon, whose eyes flare at me with anger. I raise my knife in my right hand and bring it towards his face. He flinches, and I tut at his attempt to delay his doom. “Hold him still,” I command Kayden.

My Beta uses his strength to stop his body from wriggling against the silver chains. The edge of the knife presses to his forehead as I begin to carve out a four-letter word. Damon curses as blood drips over his eyebrows and into his eyes. I tell myself not to dig in too deep. If I kill him now, I’ll never forgive myself.

I step back and smile wickedly at my handiwork. Kayden releases him and takes a look for himself. “Branded like the cunt he is,” he laughs.

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