Page 68 of Second Chance Mates

Kayden releases a laugh. “You’re too easy to wind up.”

“And you are the biggest pain in my ass.”

I turn my attention back to Ava, who is silently watching our encounter.

Are you okay?

Just trying to get used to being around him, she admits.

I appreciate that, and you’re doing amazing.

My throat clears, and Kayden flicks his eyes to me, along with Sebastian. “Well, I think now is a good time to tell you about my wolf.”

“What about your wolf?” Kayden’s brows crease.

“I shifted for the first time in a year.”

Sebastian’s face lights up with amazement, and my sister’s mouth falls open. “No way! How?”

I raise my hand, which is still entwined with Ava’s. “Thanks to this one and our bond. She practically drew it out of me. She has superpowers. She’s very special.”

Ava seems stunned and blinks in shock. “Oh, no.” Her head shakes. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You did everything,” I tell her before kissing her knuckles again. Those cheeks bloom like roses.

“Pack runs together soon?” Kayden suggests.

I nod, my heart slowly mending together again. “Yes. I need it.”

“Good.” Kayden steps towards me and slaps my back. “As much as I hate to admit it, it sucks without you, brother.”

23

JAXON

It’s a few days before my sister’s wedding, and tonight is her “last night” of freedom before she becomes a wife. All of Lucy’s closest girlfriends from the pack—Ava included—are planning on going out and celebrating in town. And right now, I’m being forced to take pictures of them together.

I mean, I’m not complaining too much because I physically cannot take my eyes off my beautiful mate. Lucy put some makeup on her, making those brown eyes even darker and her pale skin glow.

She’s not just beautiful; she’s taken my entire breath away.

My eyes roam her face and down her body. In an instant, my gaze hardens, looking at her in that pretty burgundy dress and heels with laces wrapped around her ankles. She’s a sight for sore eyes. She smiles gently towards the camera, completely stealing my heart and running away with it.

When I finish my noble brotherly duties, I hand the phone back to Lucy. “Please don’t do anything stupid tonight,” I say under a hushed breath. “The last thing I need is more trouble.”

She rolls her eyes and snatches her phone back. “Like what?”

“Like getting stupidly wasted, getting arrested, someone getting hurt. The list goes on and on and on,” I murmur before folding my arms over my chest. “I don’t need rumours going around the district, alright? Stay out of trouble.”

Lucy groans. “Honestly, you sound so boring. I know you’re worried about Ava, but I promise she’s safe.”

“I know.” I nod. “That’s why I’m ordering some guards to accompany you. And before you say anything, you won’t even know they’re there. They won’t ruin your fun. They’ll only help if anything happens.”

The corner of her lip tugs. “You’re so concerned about her. It’s cute.”

She’s not wrong, I think in my head.

“Please look after her,” I whisper before looking over at Ava as she talks away with Phia and Grace. “Don’t leave her out. It’s her first time going out with all of you girls, and I want her to feel comfortable and safe.”

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