Page 124 of Second Chance Mates

“And now you love them?”

Ava snorts quietly. “I wouldn’t say I love them, but I’m not terrified of them like other people are. I will happily place them outside if they’re in the house. Some people kill them, but they’re good for our ecosystem.”

I grin at her. “That was totally unexpected.”

“Please don’t gift me a tarantula any time soon, that is not what I’m suggesting.”

A deep laugh rumbles from my chest. “Noted. No spiders for birthdays or Christmas.” I stroke my hand over her shoulder in soothing motions. “Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes.” She nods. “I like feeling calmer with you like this. Sometimes when you’re in my head, it’s very intense with everything else going on.”

I press my lips to her forehead. “I’m sorry. I should ask before I make things worse. I trust our bond, but I realise it isn’t always what you need.”

“I’d prefer that,” she whispers gratefully, then sighs. “I don’t want to close my eyes and slip back into that dream again.”

“Will you let me project images into your mind instead?”

“So you were doing that, too?”

My lips quirk to the side. “I did it at the start when you had your nightmares and you wouldn’t let me near you. It was the only way I knew how to calm you because hearing your screams killed me.”

“It helped a lot,” she admits. “I didn’t fear sleeping as much.”

“Good. Will you let me tonight?”

“Please.” She looks at me with grateful eyes. “But what about you?”

“The bond will keep them going while I fall asleep.” Although I know I won’t.

Ava flicks her eyes between mine slowly. “Are you sure?”

“Positive, baby.” I wrap her up in my arms and pull her body on top of my chest. “I’m not going anywhere. Remember that. Now, close your eyes and let me help you sleep.”

Her eyelids flutter shut on command and there is a soft smile on her face. I watch her for a few moments before flashing images of golden beaches and shimmering lakes through our bond.

I wait until she’s fast asleep and then stroke back her hair with my fingers.

“Goodnight, my love.”

41

JAXON

Ava’s strength over the last few weeks has improved vastly, and I can see the drive in her eyes when she joins in with pack training. At first, she was apprehensive, but now, she’s in her element.

I stand back and watch as she runs through the trees. She digs her fingers into a large boulder before climbing to the top and jumping down onto a smaller rock. Her feet move quickly and every choice she makes is with precision.

Sweat trickles down her back and off the edge of her jaw. I adore seeing her like this—with focused eyes and eager to outdo herself from the last training session. She’s pushing herself out of her comfort zone and challenging her body with new skills.

Kayden guides Ava through her obstacle course while encouraging her as she succeeds in every direction. She starts to climb a tree before swinging from a branch and landing directly in the middle of a stream. The water splashes up her legs, and she takes a large breath as her lips spread into a bright grin.

“Yes, Ava!” Kayden claps loudly. “I told you you could do it. That was fast as hell.”

She releases a long laugh and places a hand on her hip. “Thanks,” she rasps. “I tried.”

Lucy cheers alongside her, raising her arms in the air to clap with Kayden. “My Goddess, you are literally incredible. Your stamina is out of this world, Ava.”

That smile remains on Ava’s face as she nods. Her skin is flushed, but I see the pride burning in her eyes. Kayden gently pats her on the back. “Don’t push it anymore,” he warns her. “Take tomorrow off. Rest. Your muscles need time to repair.”

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