Page 125 of Second Chance Mates

She frowns. “But I like training.”

“Alright, teacher's pet.” He releases a laugh with a subtle wink. “You might be one of my best students, but you’re coming off a little needy, and it’s not a good look.”

Kayden’s playfulness makes Ava shove his shoulder. “Needy, my ass.”

He laughs. “But seriously, you need to rest, and I personally don’t want Jaxon beheading me for burning you into the ground. You did good, but I’m looking for a personal best next time.”

“A personal best? You said that was fast!”

He shrugs teasingly. “Could be a smidge faster.”

She rolls her eyes. “Alright, fine. Next time. You’re on.”

“You’re on.” He holds a hand out to her, and she shakes it. “Thank you for training with me.”

“Thank you for not killing me,” she says with a smile.

“We’ve always got next time.” He points a finger at her.

I narrow my eyes at my Beta as he chuckles deeply. “No jokes about death, please. Thanks,” I murmur.

Kayden tuts with a smug smile. “Spoilsport.”

Lucy flashes Ava a thumbs up before she turns with Kayden to start walking in the direction of the house. I step closer to her as she looks up at me, her chest returning to a gentle rise.

“I’m proud of you,” I state simply.

“Me, too. I want to do well for the pack.”

I fold my arms over my chest. “Ava, you have nothing to prove. To them. To me. To anyone. You should be doing this for yourself, not for anyone else.”

“I am.” She nods. “But I’d like your pack to look at me with at least a bit of hope.”

My hand stretches to take her chin between my thumb and index finger. “Trust me, they’re impressed. We’re all impressed. I love your drive and determination and the fact you always show up for yourself. It is so damn attractive, and I’m lucky to have you as my Luna.”

A deep pink blush bursts across her cheeks. “I’m lucky to have you, too.”

“Since you came here, I can sense there is a new atmosphere within the pack.”

“Good or bad?”

“Good, of course.”

Ava smiles to herself. “How so?”

“I guess I might have been a little harsh on my pack, even before Julia. When I became Alpha, I was thrown into it. I wasn’t a very good leader, but with you by my side, things seem clearer. For the first time, I feel like we’re really forming together as a pack, and I believe that’s down to you.”

“You can’t give me all the credit.” She shakes her head.

I shrug once. “Things have shifted since I met you, and it’s obvious in the satisfaction of the pack. Not only did you help me get my wolf back, but you also integrate yourself into the pack where you can, you want to help others, and you want to learn about our culture. We all see it and appreciate your efforts.”

“Well, it’s clear they enjoy seeing their Alpha more,” Ava says. “Respect goes both ways. You knew you weren’t giving them your all while you were grieving, and you decided to turn that around. You’ve worked hard to prove to your pack you’re going to be the best you can from now on.”

I nod. “Agreed. I never want to let them down again. I never want to let you down either.”

“You could never let me down.”

My lips meet the top of her head.

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