Page 21 of Second Chance Mates

“This is the first time she’s wanted to actively spend time with me. Especially something that doesn’t involve mealtime. I’m not jinxing anything, but I want her to be comfortable,” I say honestly. “Taking it one day at a time.”

Lucy nods in appreciation. “Good. I’m glad.”

Soon, Ava appears beside Lucy at the door to the living room. She’s wearing a loose T-shirt and pyjama pants, her fingers closely entwined in front of her. “Do you want me to join you?” Lucy asks Ava.

“Uh,” she hesitates and meets my eyes. “Please. I’d like that.”

“Okay, sure. I’ll be back in a second.”

When my sister leaves, Ava watches her go. I perch on the end of the sofa and beckon with my head. “Come,” I say softly. “I’ve got blankets and snacks.”

She tugs at her fingers once more before walking towards me. But she doesn’t sit next to me; instead, she keeps her distance. “What’s your favourite movie?”

Ava is silent for a long moment, her bottom lip between her teeth as she thinks. “I-I don’t know.” She exhales. “I think I liked comedies or drama pieces. Nothing sad or scary.”

I offer her a smile. “I don’t like anything scary either.”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “Really?”

“Hell, yeah.” I nod without an ounce of shame. “Demons and poltergeists are terrifying.”

Ava’s throat releases the quietest laugh. “Yeah, they are.”

“Let’s pick something together, then.” I beckon my head to the TV. “Nothing scary. Nothing sad.”

Lucy returns and sits on the other side of Ava. When Stepbrothers starts playing, I hand over some blankets, which she snuggles into, wrapping herself up like a burrito. Her delicate scent wafts towards me as time ticks by, and I take shallow breaths to keep my eyes on the screen. It’s more powerful now, intoxicating my lungs with how beautiful she smells.

Halfway through the movie, she lifts her head and looks at me. “W-where were you today?” Her voice is quiet as I shift my gaze towards her.

“Making sure no one ever hurts you again.”

A confused frown falls on her face. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t have to worry about anything right now, okay?”

She stares at me for a long moment and nods once.

“Can I ask you a question?” I whisper when she says nothing more.

She nibbles her lip in anticipation. “Yes.”

“Do you remember who your parents are?”

Suddenly, she looks away from me and focuses on the bookshelves across the room. “I-I can’t remember.”

“Do you remember where you grew up?”

“No,” she whispers heavily.

My jaw tightens at the sadness forming in her eyes. “It’s okay. We can figure it out together as time goes on. I want you to be able to reunite with your family and friends.”

Her lips begin to tremble. “Me, too. I just–” She strains. “I can’t remember.”

When her head lowers, I ache for her. I wish I could take away her pain without terrifying her through the bond. I’ve only done it when her nightmares occupy her mind at night. I take my sister's thoughts into consideration. I’m still grieving. I shouldn't be forcing myself into a new relationship when my head isn’t in the right place either.

“Hey,” I rasp, catching her attention. “Let’s watch the rest of the movie. We don’t have to think about it tonight.”

“Yeah,” she whispers back as her eyes return to the TV.

---