Page 130 of Second Chance Mates

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JAXON

While Ava is out with Lucy having a girls’ afternoon, I take the time to catch up on work. There is a committee meeting next month, and I’m desperate to have everything done before then.

I run my fingers along my forehead as I read through the latest regulations for our district. I note down any questions I wish to raise when all the Alphas meet together.

A knock at my office door stirs me from my train of thought. I clear my throat. “Come in,” I demand as I twirl my pen between my fingers.

“Alpha.” Sam’s voice is hurried as he steps into the room. “Your shields have been up. I’ve been trying to mindlink you.”

“I’ve been busy focusing on work.”

“I need to tell you something.”

I sigh. “What is it, Sam?”

“Alpha Jaxon, when I tell you this, I need you to hear me out.” He steps towards my desk, and I lean back in my chair, already losing patience. “I know this is going to sound crazy, but you need to believe me.”

My teeth grind together. “For Goddess’s sake. What is it, Sam?”

I drop my pen onto my desk and fold my arms over my chest, quirking a brow in frustration. There is a look of distress that crosses his eyes before he closes them. and when he opens them again, he shudders. “After training with Evan, Kayden and I took him into town to show him around, and we–” He pauses to drag a hand down his face. “We saw someone.”

“Who?”

“Alpha, I know this is going to sound crazy–”

“Who, Sam?” My voice bellows across my office.

He gulps once. “Julia. We saw Julia. She’s still alive.”

No.

No.

No.

My blood runs ice cold. There is no chance. I saw the life leave her eyes. I watched as she was murdered by those rogues in the most brutal attack. I saw limbs. I saw blood. I heard her scream for her life.

For long moments, I say nothing. Processing. It’s impossible.

I stand from my desk on shaky legs. “That can’t be,” I state with confidence. “I saw her die. I was there when she died. There is no chance she could still be alive.”

Sam holds up his hands. “I know this sounds insane, but it was her. I swear on my life.”

“Where is Kayden?” I heave.

“With Evan. They’re coming now.”

I lick my bottom lip. “It can’t be her. You must be seeing things.”

“Alpha–”

Kayden steps into my office a second later, his eyes flicking over my expression—I presume to see how I’ve taken the bullshit news. It can’t be true. How can it be true? I’d know if she was alive. I’d feel the bond.

Wouldn’t I?

“You saw Julia?” My voice wobbles despite the heaviness of my chest.

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