Page 149 of Second Chance Mates

“You think?”

“Yeah.” I smile. “I saw you guys training, and I see how the pack looks at you. It’s like the bond between you all has intensified. I think you’re finally finding your purpose as an Alpha. You’re all connecting.”

Jaxon’s head tilts. “I like that.” He nods. “You’re right. I used to be uptight and focused on only one thing. But now, I’ve learnt that listening to their needs goes a long way. Before I ignored that, and it wasn’t a good trait to have.”

“What made you change?”

“You.”

“Huh?”

“You did. Being with you. It put into perspective that I can help them blossom into the best versions of themselves if I give them the attention and care they need. I think about you and how I always paid attention to what you needed the most, and eventually, I earnt your trust. Now, I’m doing it with the pack but with their doubts, fears, and weaknesses. It’s a conversation that never ends, and they feel comfortable enough to discuss it with me so we can all improve. They see me as a helping hand, not someone to fear.”

My expression lights up. “That sounds incredible. You all help each other.”

“Exactly. It’s still a work in progress, but I don’t plan on changing. I’ve seen improvements already, and I want it to stay that way. This is the Alpha I’ve always wanted to be, the pack I’ve always wanted to have. Now, I’m going to continue working hard and give them the best version of me in return.”

“I love that, Jax.”

He flashes me a grin. “I deserve a day off now, and we both deserve to go on our first date.”

My chest warms at the idea of our first date.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask as we drive.

I adjust the hem of my yellow sundress covered in white flowers. We’ve been driving for at least twenty minutes, and I have no idea where we are. “Stop trying to ruin the surprise.” He leans over the centre console to take my hand. “You’ll see when we get there.”

A wave of excitement and anticipation splashes over my chest. “A surprise?”

“Yep,” he says, winking. “Trust me, you’ll love it.”

“Just us?”

“Yeah, baby. Just us.”

Eventually, we slow down as we enter a small dirt track. I glance out the window at the large trees swaying in the wind and the sun gleaming down on us. It’s a beautiful day for a surprise that makes me want to burst out of my skin.

We both climb out of the car, and Jax moves around to the boot and pops it open. He pulls out a cooling box and a blanket, which he throws over his shoulder.

“Are we going for a picnic?”

Jaxon’s lips curl as we walk, and he threads his fingers through mine. “What gave it away…the blanket or the box?”

I bump his hip playfully, and we both release a laugh. “I haven’t been for a picnic in a long time, okay? It’s a nice surprise. I love it.”

“Good.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “You look beautiful, Ava. You do every day, but I love this dress. It suits you.”

My cheeks bleed as usual. “Thank you. Lucy took me shopping.”

Jaxon guides us through the trees until we reach the top of a hill that overlooks the entire district. “Wow,” I exhale at the breathtaking view. “It’s pretty up here.”

His eyes gleam when he looks at me. “Yeah. It’s peaceful. Away from all the chaos. But my view will be prettier.”

I smile as he lays out the blanket on a fresh patch of grass in direct line of the sunshine. He holds out his hand, which I take and perch on one end of the blanket. “Are you trying to be romantic?” I ask, crossing my legs.

Jaxon sits opposite me and begins to open the box. “Is it working?”

“Completely.”

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