Page 150 of Second Chance Mates

To some people, a picnic might seem like a small gesture, but to me, it’s everything. He wanted to take me out of the house to be together, but it wasn’t about money or anything materialistic. It’s about our quality time.

“I love when you smile,” he says as he watches me.

“I love that you’ve done this. I'm grateful for you. Thank you.”

He spreads out the food across the blanket and pours us two cups of something pink and fizzy. “I know the pack house is a lot right now, and I thought this would help clear your mind. It’s also an excuse to get you to myself.”

“Yeah.” I blow out a breath and run a hand through my hair. “I’ve been getting a lot of attention from your pack members.”

Jaxon smiles. “Because they want to know their future Luna. They look up to you and your strength and bravery.”

My face heats with a blush at his confession. They look up to…me?

“Not sure there is a lot to look up to.”

Jaxon pauses and pins me with a stare. “Don’t do that. Don’t dismiss the amazing qualities we all see in you, including how strong and determined you are.”

I swallow once and nod. “It’s still taking time to get used to.”

“I know.” He smooths a hand over my knee. “But soon, you’ll realise how remarkable you are, Ava.”

A warmth floods my chest, and I allow his comfort. I’ve realised the more I push him away, the worse everything is. We work together as a team. Our bond thrives off one another, and I accept all of his honesty.

We sit and eat for a moment as I stare into the distance of the district. A part of me can’t believe this is my life. That I’ve ended up in a place I didn’t know existed as a child. My entire world has turned upside down and for the better.

“What are you thinking about?” Jax snaps me out of my trance.

I quirk a brow. “Not reading my mind?”

“No. Your mental walls are a lot stronger since you woke up. I can’t hear a single thing.”

“Did you listen to my thoughts often?”

He chews on the inside of his lip for a moment. “I didn’t want to. I tried so hard not to so I could give you the privacy you deserved. But other times, I couldn’t control it. That’s why I taught you your mental defences as soon as I could. I wanted to earn your trust authentically.”

“Yeah, I think I have the hang of it now.”

Jaxon eyes me for a moment, and his expression softens.

“This past year has been very bitter-sweet,” I exhale and lower my sandwich. “It’s been high and low continuously. I still don’t feel one hundred percent right from when I woke up from my coma. But things are finally going in the right direction. I’m trusting the universe to guide me to what is meant for me.”

His hand slides over the blanket, and he takes my fingers once more, kissing over my wrist and knuckles until it tickles. “You are destined for great things.”

“Let’s hope.” I laugh hesitantly. “Your pack are lucky to have an Alpha so caring for each and every one of them and their wellbeing.”

“Well, of course. If I respect them, they’ll respect me. It’s an easy process. We need to work together as a team.” He shrugs. “I am also very lucky to have you alongside me with this pack. You’ve helped me to see the changes I needed to make.”

His words of affirmation make me feel lighter, as if he can blow all of my problems away with his caressing words. They make me feel seen and heard. They make me feel like I matter.

Because you do matter, I tell myself. You have always mattered.

A ball of emotion forms in my throat, and I press a hand to my neck. Jaxon studies the action and scoots closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

No one has ever made me feel the way he does. No one has ever cared for me the way he does. No one will ever compare to him. It’s simple.

I stare up at him and those dark blue eyes full of adoration. His hand raises and he brushes back a few strands of hair on my cheeks and gives me a stomach-dropping smile. I blink back the tears forming in my eyes, and he immediately notices. “Hey.” He tilts my chin and inspects my face. “What’s wrong?”

“I love you, Jax.”

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