Page 66 of Second Chance Mates

My hand reaches over to the vacant stool beside me. I pat at the softness and stand from my own. “Come sit. I’ll make you something.”

She steps to my side and watches me with gentle eyes. “Thank you.”

“Why do you never make us breakfast, Jaxon?”

My patience is wearing thin. “Because I like making sure that Ava is fed. I know you can do that yourself. And you guys never fucking tidy up after yourselves. If we worked together, maybe I’d offer you breakfast, too.”

She tuts at me before bombarding Ava with a million and one different questions. I absolutely love my sister to pieces, but I can’t wait until this wedding is over. Not that I’m jealous of her happy ending, but I’ve got one too many things on my mind, and once this wedding is out of the way, I can go back to focusing on what’s important.

Like taking Lucien and his foul men out for good.

After ten minutes, I plate up scrambled eggs and avocado on toast for Ava. Her whole expression brightens when I place down the food. She’s always delighted to have a decent meal, which makes me realise how starved she must have been when she was Lucien's captive.

Malnourished. Neglected. The thought does awful things to my sternum.

“Mmm. Smells delicious.”

“Eat,” I order as I perch beside her. “Don’t let it get cold.”

She doesn’t need to be told twice.

Ava takes her knife and fork to cut into the toast. Her elbow grazes my arm, and despite it being through the material of her hoodie, it still makes my skin vibrate.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Lucy curses and hits her laptop.

Sebastian sighs. “What is it?”

He leans over to rub her shoulder, but it doesn’t help. She exhales a frustrated groan, and I hide my knowing smile. “I literally just got an email saying those embroidered tablecloths I ordered might be late!”

My head tilts to Ava, who is already looking at me. I’m glad I’m not the only one finding this entire situation comical. It’s not new for Ava to smile, but when she does, it’s like time stands still, and I can’t get enough. I want to take a picture of it and keep it in my pocket. My wolf purrs with possessiveness at the idea.

“It’s okay, babe. They’re just tablecloths,” Sebastian tries to calm her, and I wince.

Lucy recoils like she’s been slapped with an iron pole. “Excuse me?”

I brace myself for what’s about to unleash. Sebastian might officially be uninvited to his own wedding. Goddess, how does he put up with this crazy woman?

“They’re just tablecloths?” she spits, slamming the laptop closed. “How dare you, Sebastian? I thought you’d be better than that.”

I can’t tell if that’s fear or frustration behind his eyes. “Luce–”

“Who even are you?”

My hand cups my jaw, but it’s too late. The laugh slips out. The look on Sebastian’s face and the sheer madness my sister has become is like a reality show, and somehow, I’ve got a front-row seat to it.

Lucy’s death glare flicks my way. “Do you think this is funny?”

My sister is a drama queen most of the time, but this is ridiculous. I flash her a slight grin, which she gapes at. Ava gently swats my arm, but she’s also trying her hardest to keep a poker face.

“I’m sure they’ll be here in time,” Ava says, attempting to console her. “It said might, not definitely. Just remain optimistic. I’m praying for you, Lucy.”

Lucy takes a couple of deep breaths and listens to Ava’s wise words. I resist the urge to lean over and squeeze her hand. Instead, I focus on Lucy as she closes her eyes and holds her hands up in front of her face, wiggling her fingers.

“Calm down, Lucy. It’s all going to be okay.” Lucy mutters to herself.

I shake my head. I need to get out of this kitchen now.

“Ooh! I need to go over table plans.” Lucy opens the laptop again and starts tapping away.

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