Page 41 of Second Chance Mates

“Ava?”

“W-what the hell?” I blurt. “What was that?”

Jaxon’s lips curl to the side. “So it did work.”

“Did work, what?”

I think I’m going crazy. I’m definitely going crazy.

This. It did work.

There is his voice again. In. My. Head.

I shudder at the wave of fulfilment that rushes down my spine. I’ve heard his voice a bunch of times, but why does it sound so much clearer and intimate when it’s in my mind?

No. This must be a joke. It’s impossible.

“Are you playing some kind of trick on me?” I flash him a concerned look.

Jaxon releases a deep laugh. No. It’s called a mindlink. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to hear me because you’re a human. It’s something werewolves can do between mates, family members, and their pack. It’s an efficient way of communication.

I stare back at him, dumbfounded. “At least your phone bills will be low.”

That smile spreads, flashing off all of his impressive white teeth. “You’re taking this surprisingly well…” he trails off.

“I mean.” I scratch my head again. “I don’t entirely get it, but your world is full of surprises. It’s just strange to hear you…up here.”

“Try it on me,” he says, giving me a look of encouragement.

My head tilts to the side in confusion. “How? I don’t even know where to start.”

Jaxon’s large arms fold over his chest as he studies me for a long moment. “Just close your eyes,” he starts. “Think of directing a message to my head. Think the words loudly and imagine them being sent off into the sphere between us. Aim straight for my mind—nowhere else.”

I furrow my brows at his instructions. That sounds like a lot of work for a message. What if I send it to the wrong person?

“Okay,” I murmur before closing my eyes.

At first, I imagine his mind, but that’s because he’s standing right in front of me. I know where he is and how far away he’s standing. My eyes squeeze tighter, and I focus on him and nothing else.

“That’s it,” he praises. “I can feel you. But tell me something. Speak to me.”

My teeth clamp down on my bottom lip. Hello?

God. This is stupid. Who am I kid–

Hello, Ava.

I snap my eyes open to meet his impressed gaze. “Y-you heard me?” I stutter. He nods with a smile that looks like it’ll never disappear—pride shines in his eyes. I’m doing a basic skill they probably use every day. Why does it feel so incredible?

It’s amazing, isn’t it?

A soft sigh falls from my chest when I hear him again. I resist the urge to close my eyes at the way it drifts over my body like a feather caressing my every last nerve.

“Why do I feel so good hearing you?” I ask out of pure curiosity.

“It’s the bond. I told you it doesn’t always have to be strengthened by touching. It can come from connecting through talking or being around each other.”

A strange sensation suddenly dawns on me. Am I really accepting all of this like it’s normal? My life has changed too many times over the past few years. A part of me doesn’t even know what I’m doing anymore.

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