Page 139 of Second Chance Mates

The pack doctors spent what felt like hours trying to resuscitate Ava as she lay on the cold floor. Lucy held me back as I handed them over to the healers. I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want her to be alone.

My entire body turned numb.

Never have I ever felt so empty in my entire life.

No matter how hard they tried, she wasn’t taking a breath.

I watched beneath glassy eyes and through a shattered heart. Her body twitched with each compression, but she remained lifeless.

Realisation started to dawn on me.

They can’t save her. I was too late.

I failed her.

But then finally…finally she took her first breath, and I sagged in relief and agony all at once. I barely remember how we got home. All I cared about was that she was safe and receiving the best care. She deserves better than this. She deserves the brightest future with endless joy. Not this fate. Not at the hands of someone who deceived me for three years.

My fingers grip Ava’s hand gently, running my thumb across her knuckles. The machine beside her beeps at a regular pace. The doctors did all they could to stop the bleeding and make her stable, but she fell into a coma shortly after. That was five days ago. She hasn’t opened her eyes since.

There is a spark inside me where the bond is tugging, but it’s weak. I know Ava needs all her strength, so I don’t blame the mate bond for being nearly non-existent, even if it feels like my ribs have been ripped open and my heart is on full display.

I raise her fingers to my lips and kiss the delicate skin. My eyes roam her peaceful face, but it breaks me knowing what she’s endured. “I’m right here, Ava,” I whisper. “I’m right here, and I’m going to be here when you wake up. Okay?”

I’m met with silence and the machine reminding me her heart is stable. I sigh and bury my head into my hands. All I’m holding onto is the fact she’s home.

When I close my eyes, I see the disturbing, heart-breaking image of her lying on the floor, covered in her own blood. I can’t get it out of my head. It possesses me, and I despise the gut-wrenching twist inside me.

The look on Julia’s face when she pulled the knife from her abdomen.

But she didn’t win. She didn’t accomplish what she wanted.

The door behind me creaks open, but I don’t look to see who it is. A chair drags up beside me, and Kayden moves into the seat. “How you holding up?”

I shake my head. “Until she wakes up, I won’t rest.”

“I see that.” His lips pinch into a thin line. “You should sleep, eat. You’re not looking good, man.”

“Can’t,” I murmur and keep a hold of Ava’s hand. “She needs me.”

Kayden nods. “Of course, but you need to keep your strength up, too. She wouldn’t want to see you like this.”

I release a long sigh. “She died, Kayden. She died in my arms. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Alright,” he says after a few moments. “I’ve got the pack under control. Take your time. You don’t need to worry about them.”

“Yeah,” I rasp. “Thanks.”

Kayden gives my back a small slap, and I glance at him for a split second and catch the grim smile he tries to paint on. He leaves, and I’m met with an eerie silence once again. I stand from the chair, slant over my mate, and leave a kiss on her cold forehead. “You’re safe,” I whisper into her skin. “You’re safe. I should have been there sooner. I’m sorry you had to suffer. I wish it had been me. Goddess, I’d do anything to swap positions.”

There’s a knock at the door, and I huff out a breath. I can’t go five minutes without someone checking on me like I’m some liability. All I want is time alone with my mate in peace.

“Jaxon.” My sister's voice floats into the room. “You should take an hour, even half an hour. She’s going to be here when you come back. You haven’t left this room in days.”

“Because I have to be here in case anything happens,” I say through gritted teeth.

Lucy walks around to the other side of Ava’s bed. She offers me a smile that I despise. I don’t want her pity. It’s like history is repeating itself, but this time, I know what’s real. The pain I endured when Julia died is nothing compared to the suffering I’m experiencing right now. With Julia, I felt out of control and angry, but right now…I am empty.

Without Ava, I am soulless.

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