Page 62 of Second Chance Mates

His wolf watches me with those pretty eyes and tilts his snout as I stop directly in front of him. Stroke me.

A mini pause runs through my veins as I raise my hand and extend my arm. The tips of my fingers lightly graze the edge of his fur, and as expected, it’s thick but also incredibly soft. He closes his eyes as I glide my hand across his back, lacing my fingers through the strands until I meet skin.

His wolf takes a step closer, nuzzling his snout into my stomach. He inhales my scent deeply as I continue to stroke him. “He’s beautiful, Jax. You are beautiful.”

After a few moments, I sink to the ground, bending my knees to admire his face. I could only imagine how vicious he could turn if he felt threatened.

He rubs his snout against my chin, and I laugh softly when his fur tickles me. I like your laugh—a lot, he whispers.

I gently cup my hands around his face, grazing over his ears and down to the edge of his jaw. “I’m an extremely ticklish being,” I admit with a glint of amusement. “So please don’t test me. I won’t survive.”

His wolf’s tongue darts out and gives my chin a lick this time. I pull back, but there is a smile on my face. “Now, you’re pushing it,” I say with a playful warning. “Does it feel good to be back in this form?”

Yes. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.

I snort unattractively. “I doubt it.”

Alphas might be strong, but they still need their Lunas at their sides to help with what they cannot achieve themselves. Power comes from emotion, and without them, we might as well be useless.

Luna. Luna. The word is a little alien to me as Lucien’s pack was strictly males. “Not sure if I’m ready to be a Luna yet. The thought is terrifying. I barely know who I am myself—how could I be someone I know nothing about?”

His wolf nods in understanding. I know. I would never rush you. Your memories of the past will come back soon. I promise.

“I want to know who I was, what my life was like before.” My shoulders slump as I pull my hand away from his fur. “But I’m also surprisingly content here, even if I feel like I don’t belong.”

Jaxon nuzzles his snout against my face again. You do belong. But I’m glad you feel content. That’s all I’ve ever wanted you to feel.

My lips curl into a gentle smile. “Me, too,” I say before clearing my throat. “So when you shift back…are you naked because your clothes have shed?”

Yes. So I suggest you turn around and walk back to the house before I shift.

My cheeks bleed with heat as if I’m already seeing him naked, but instead, I’m just thinking about it. Why on earth am I blushing? This is humiliating.

“Right, I’ll do exactly that then.”

I stand and give his wolf a once-over before turning away and walking back to the pack house. I’m certain this won’t be the last time I see his transformation, and I’m still deeply intrigued.

21

AVA

The stars are bright tonight. Each and every one of them. I’m not usually a stargazer, but right now, it’s a beautiful sight. There are constellations in the sky I’ve never noticed before—glowing like fireworks.

I can’t take my eyes off them. I’m in a trance. They make the dark night sky feel warm.

A presence has the hairs on my arm standing, and I turn towards where my intuition directs. That’s when I spot a woman with floor-length white hair and eyes that practically glow in the dark. She’s not dangerous; I can sense it.

She takes long, languid steps to meet me, her purple and cream dress dragging along the forest floor behind her. Her glittery skin shines in the moonlight. Iridescent and breathtaking.

“Who are you?” I exhale when she stops in front of me.

A line of gleaming makeup runs across her cheeks and over her nose to the other side of her face. The mark is unique. I wonder if it’s a tradition from wherever she’s from. I know she’s not human, but I don’t know where she belongs.

“I’m sorry, Ava.” Her voice is a velvety whisper of sorrow.

“For what?”

“For not helping you sooner. My powers were misdirected.”

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