Page 132 of Second Chance Mates

My throat tightens. “Fuck.”

All of this must be a coincidence. A stupid, unbelievable mix-up. Nothing more.

Ava, are you okay?

Yeah. We’re just in town. Lucy’s been–

I’m washed with reassurance when I hear her delicate voice.

Leave. Now, I cut over her.

What? Why?

Please don’t ask any questions. I need you to get home as soon as possible. I’ll explain everything then.

There is immediate panic through our bond. Jaxon, you’re scaring me.

I clench my fists and order guards to escort them home from town. I refuse to take any chances, especially when I have no idea what’s going on. Baby, please just listen to me. Leave town. Come home. I’ve sent guards. I need you here with me right this second.

Okay. Her voice is shaky.

I close my eyes, but I won’t rest until she’s home. My head spins in different directions, but I know the bond I’ve grown with Ava over the last few months shines above it all.

A wave of nausea strangles me, an eerie sensation creeping up through my spine. “Once Ava is home and I know she’s safe, we’re going to get answers.”

“Yes, Alpha.” They both nod.

44

AVA

No. This can’t be real. I must be dead. There is no explanation.

A smirk covers Julia’s lips as she stops in front of me, a freshly manicured hand on her hip. “Well, well…” Her voice echoes around the derelict room. “What do we have here?”

I remain silent, flicking my eyes between hers sharply. My pulse pounds against my neck, and I clench my hands together to stop them from trembling around the chains.

She bends down to my level and analyses my face. “A human,” she exhales with a sour laugh. “That makes this a thousand times better. I thought Jaxon’s mate would be a warrior, an Alpha’s daughter, or a legacy. But no, she’s nothing but a worthless human with no strength whatsoever.”

What’s going on? My head spins.

“What do you want from me, Julia?”

Her eyes flare at me. “Ah, I’m relieved you know who I am. Jaxon talks about me, huh?”

My jaw clenches at her patronising tone. The drugs that pump around my system are forcing bile up my throat, but I push it down before I show how weak and terrified I am. I’m tired of being the fragile girl who needs saving.

“Jaxon said you died.”

“I did,” she sighs and inspects her blood-red fingernails. “Well…that’s what he thinks. This has been going on for three years too long.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “What is going on? I don’t understand what’s happening here.”

Julia throws her head back and releases a loud cackle. “Oh, Ava,” she coos. “How stupid could you be? You think I was Jaxon’s first mate? I wasn’t his mate at all.”

I blink in confusion. “What?”

“I had a spell cast on Jaxon and spent years trying to infiltrate myself into his life, family, and pack. I had myself killed in front of him and the make-belief spell left his poor heart broken.” Her evil lips curl into a smug smile.

---