Page 14 of Second Chance Mates

“She’d hate this.” I release a morbid laugh. “If she knew I had another mate.”

Lucy’s mouth twists into a sad smile. “Yeah, well, life goes on, Jaxon. I know you love her. And I know you miss her, but she’s not here anymore. You still deserve to be happy. All I say is handle Ava with care, in all aspects.”

“I will,” I hum. “Always.”

I become cautious of how long Ava is taking upstairs. Lucy agrees to check on her and make sure everything is okay. I wait as patiently as I can without my wolf eating my insides. The hairs on my arm begin to stand, and I immediately turn my attention to the glowing sensation tickling the back of my brain.

My gaze collides with Ava’s dark brown eyes. Her hair is damp and drapes over her shoulders, and Lucy’s jumper hangs off her small frame.

From the way she carries herself, I can tell she’s ready to run if she needs to. Her legs are twitchy, and her head is low, but her eyes are bouncing around.

“Hey,” I greet as her fingers entwine in front of her. “The doctor is ready to see you again if you would like. She won’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable. It’s all for your wellbeing. The ball is in your court.”

Her dark brows crease in my direction. “Y-you said they healed me.”

“Only the wound on your stomach,” I say. “It’s your choice. I’m not going to force you. If you need more time then I completely understand.”

Ava blinks at me, droplets of water falling from the ends of her long hair. “I-I–” her voice trembles before pausing. “Okay.”

I take her back to the infirmary wing, where Gemma greets us. Ava hangs back behind Lucy. Her fingers pick at the skin around her nails, and her eyes flick around her surroundings once again.

“Hi, Ava,” Gemma says warmly. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” she says hesitantly.

“How do you feel about letting me check you over? I am the senior doctor. But if anything makes you uncomfortable, let me know, and we can stop.”

A warm sensation spreads throughout my chest, tapping at my ribcage. My pulse races at the unexpected wave of what was once far too familiar. But through our growing mate bond, I understand how apprehensive she is from the dread lacing through her.

I didn’t expect the bond to be this strong—let alone for it to arise this early without any physical connection. It starts to pull on my heartstrings, and I resist the urge to rub my hand over my chest.

Eventually, Ava nods.

Gemma continues to smile as she holds out her hand, but she doesn’t take her palm. Instead, she follows her further into the infirmary.

Lucy sighs from beside me. “I am exhausted, I have no idea how she feels.”

My eyes ache with heaviness and all the foreign emotions weighing down my body. “I know.”

When the minutes tick by, I’m strung with worry that Gemma has found something that puts Ava’s health in danger. Overthinking is a bastard.

The door opens, and I stand from my seat in the hall. Gemma guides Ava back to us. “Everything okay?” I ask.

“I managed to get a better look at those cracked ribs and torn ligaments. But they’re all healed now. Ava will be weak for a few weeks, so she needs a lot of rest. Hydration and nourishment are also going to be crucial in her recovery. Everything else between us is confidential.” Gemma’s brows raise towards me which means not to fight her.

“Thank you, Gemma,” I say gratefully.

Ava’s head is firmly down, and I frown at the action. “No problem, Alpha.” She nods. “Ava, if you ever need to come and talk to me about anything, I’m always here, or you can call for me. Okay?”

“Okay,” she whispers, not meeting her eyes.

Gemma flashes me a sympathetic smile before bowing to me.

We walk back to the living room. It reads past midday on the clock. I know she’s been in and out of sleep all night, but I bet she’s exhausted.

“Would you like to go back to your room so you can rest?”

“Yes, Alpha.” She bows her head like Gemma did.

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