Page 58 of Second Chance Mates

“Now, if I ever hear you say another fucking word about your future Luna again, I will skin you alive, and I will enjoy every second of it,” I hiss through my teeth. “Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

I lower him for a second before I release my fist straight into his gut. He releases a gurgling sound before hunching over as he gasps for a breath. I’m certain I felt one of his ribs crack beneath my knuckles. “You can enjoy spending a week in the dungeon. Limited food, limited water, and zero sunlight. I hope it was worth it.”

My fists release his collar, and he slumps forward. An arm wraps around his waist as he attempts to straighten, but he can’t. I roll my eyes at his weakness.

Guards, collect my newest prisoner.

On our way, Alpha.

Soon, the door to my office opens, and two of my largest dungeon guards step towards Sam, grabbing him roughly by the arms. “Wait–” he heaves. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset her.”

My jaw aches from clenching so tightly. “It’s a bit late for that. Don’t you think, Sam?”

His eyes flash me a look of regret, but he made his choices. I shake my head once and nudge my head towards the door. “Get him out of my sight before I actually kill him.”

As he’s being dragged away, he attempts to struggle against their grip, but he’s out of his depth. If he keeps this up, I’ll make it two weeks, then he’ll realise he can’t fight his way out of his mistakes. He must learn from them.

After his dramatic exit, I shut the door and sit back at my desk. A long exhale escapes my lips as I lean into my chair, stretching out the muscles in my back. My finger runs along the edge of my hairline in an attempt to help me focus on the work in front of me.

I’ve sent some of my pack’s wolves off to Lucien’s territory to suss out his schedule, exit points, weaknesses—everything. Since I found out his location, I’ve had eyes on him. Now we’ve got a plan, I need to know every last detail of how his pack is run. I will not fuck up this mission. I want Ava to have closure from these monsters who have left physical and invisible marks on her forever.

A thousand thoughts cross my mind, but with Lucy and Sebastian’s wedding coming up and Ava slowly but surely opening up to me, I don’t want to jump the gun. It’s already an overwhelming time for her. All she has to know is they’re being watched, and she’s safe. If they ever started moving closer, I’d execute the mission in an instant.

My fists clench, and I can’t hold back the smile as I imagine them covered in their blood. Every single one of them who has touched her. All of them will pay, and I won’t be gentle about it.

A knock at my office door stirs me from my work. I shake my head and glance up. “Come in,” I yell.

The door handle twists, and my gaze collides with my mate as she steps inside. Her brown eyes immediately light up the room, and I shiver subtly at her unexpected entrance. “Everything okay?” I ask as I lean forward.

Ava’s teeth clamp down on her bottom lip as she steps inside, not shutting the door behind her. “Are you busy?”

“For you?” I quirk a brow. “Never.”

Her cheeks spread with a tint of pink, something I always find incredibly adorable. “What are you up to?”

“Alpha duties,” I admit. “Nothing you need to worry about.”

“Oh?”

“Oh.”

A ghost of a smile rests on her pretty little lips. “Where is everyone? The house is so quiet.”

“Half the pack are out on an important duty.” I stand from my desk and straighten out my shirt. “The other half are training with Kayden.”

“You didn’t want to go with them?”

I shake my head. “I’ve been busy with a workload.”

Ava flicks her gaze to mine for a second before she runs her finger along the edge of my dark wooden desk. “You seem to work a lot,” she comments.

“Trying to stay on top of things. It’s literally the least I can do for my pack. They deserve an Alpha who is on the ball, and I’m not falling behind again. I have to be a good role model for them.”

“Did you work a lot before?”

I nod. “Yes, but this feels different now. I’m not letting anyone down again.”

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