Page 6 of Second Chance Mates

Of course. She nods and she reaches out to take my hand, giving it a quick squeeze. I can’t believe this, Jaxon.

I can’t believe it either.

3

JAXON

Lucy leaves the room to locate my leading pack doctors whilst the other doctor begins to check her temperature. “Her abdomen,” I point. “She’s wounded, and it looks infected.”

The doctor glances at the large gash and studies it for a moment. “Gemma and Alyssa will need to heal this. I fear my powers won’t be strong enough for a human body.”

When he leaves, I find myself studying the fragile girl lying against the soft sheets. From an outsider's perspective, I realise how odd this situation may look, but I couldn’t have left her. I want answers. I need to know who did this to her. I need to know how it’s possible that I have a second-chance mate.

She begins to stir from her sleep as soon as Lucy is gone. The second she sees me standing at the end of her bed, her back twists in fear, and she pushes herself into the bed.

“Hey, hey,” I murmur softly. “It’s okay.”

She shakes her head at me as she takes in her unknown surroundings. She passed out in the woods and magically wakes up in a random house she doesn’t recognise. This is a recipe for disaster.

She’s awake. I say desperately to Lucy.

On my way. Gemma is coming now.

“I’m not going to harm you,” I raise my arms in defence. “We want to help you heal and get better. That’s all. We’re not here to hurt you or to make you do anything you don’t want to.”

Those big brown eyes are swimming with tears again, and I can’t fathom how tired she must be. I want nothing more than for her to see the pack doctor, have a hot meal and a bath. It won’t solve everything, but it’ll be a start.

Lucy emerges from the hall, and my mate jumps, her gaze flicking between us with quick intensity. “Hi,” Lucy says gently, smiling towards her as she pauses by my side. “What’s your name?”

Those saddened eyes cloud with terror. She clamps down on her lip so hard it almost draws blood. I don’t like the sight of it; it’s like she’s trying to harm herself, and it sets my wolf off into a murderous frenzy. My lungs take down as much air as possible to calm these waves of fury.

“I’m Lucy,” my sister introduces herself as she presses a hand to the centre of her chest. “And this is Jaxon, my brother.”

The fear that radiates from her makes my stomach churn in agony. Bile rises in my throat. “What’s your name?” she asks again.

When she doesn’t reply, Lucy takes a step forward. The girl shields herself with her arms. “It’s Ava,” she answers, her voice croaky. “Just p-please don’t hurt me.”

“We would never hurt you, Ava.”

Ava’s eyes soften a fraction at her voice.

“We want to help you,” she tries again.

“I don’t want your help!” Ava’s voice trembles. “I don’t know you.”

I shift between my feet. “No,” I admit. “You don’t. But if you don’t get that wound checked out, it could make you really sick.”

Ava glances down at the gash in her stomach. It’s bloody and gooey. I have no idea how long it’s been like that, but I can already see the infection spreading. With her human genes, it won’t take long for it to dive into her bloodstream and end her life.

“Please let the doctors check you over,” I say again. “Then you can have something to eat, a soak in the bath, and fresh clothes.”

Ava’s eyes glisten at me, and she releases a quiet sob. “I’m so tired.”

I glance at Lucy and she flashes me the same heartbreaking look. This is fucking destroying me. “Then, let us help you,” I take one step towards the bed. “It’ll only be a quick check-up with the doctor. We can go at your pace; you can stop for as many breaks as you want. You don’t need to fear us.”

Lucy offers me a supportive smile. Thank the Goddess I’ve said the right thing rather than letting my possessive side get the better of me.

“Okay,” she whimpers, but the word is a struggle. “I don’t want a man touching me. I don’t want men anywhere near me.”

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