Page 7 of Second Chance Mates

I nod in understanding. I’m definitely the problem right now. “Of course.”

My leading doctors arrive seconds later. They’re sisters who have been training as healers for the majority of their lives and are wise beyond their years. I greet Gemma and Alyssa at the door and welcome them inside the room.

“Good evening, Jaxon,” Alyssa bows and then her sister—using my name instead of my title in front of a human. “It would be best if you left the room so we can examine her within her own boundaries.”

I meet Ava’s eyes. Her back is still firmly against the wall. “Sure.” I nod and focus on the pair of them. “Look after her, please, and do everything you can to heal that wound.”

“Of course, Jaxon.” Gemma offers me a smile.

A few moments later, I leave the room with Lucy. I begin to pace the hall, a tight sensation clenching around my windpipe. “I don’t know how I can earn her trust.”

“Patience,” Lucy states immediately. “This isn’t something that can be solved within hours or days. I see the way you’ve been looking at her, and I can tell you now, the last thing she needs is to be manhandled by you.”

My jaw grits at her words. “I didn’t manhandle her.”

“No, but I can see the thought racing through your mind. You need to gauge that self-control because this isn’t about you right now, Jaxon.” She huffs and throws her arms over her chest.

I pin her with a stare. “I am using every ounce of self-control not to try and comfort her because I know that isn’t what she needs.”

“Maybe we should head to the kitchen, and give Gemma and Alyssa some time,” Lucy suggests.

I shake my head. “No. I want to be here to hear what they say.”

She sighs and leans against the wall. “Fine.”

“Thank you for what you did in the woods,” I say after a few moments.

“Well, I’d be stupid not to use the powers I was blessed with, hmm?”

I nod once. “Of course you’re the one who was blessed by our witch ancestors, while I was left with nothing.”

The corner of Lucy’s lip tilts. “You were given the Alpha title. I think that’s good enough.”

Lucy’s abilities to heal are only half of what my pack doctors can achieve, but she possesses greater power elsewhere. The selfless things she has done for this pack, I’ll be forever thankful for.

Thirty minutes later, Gemma and Alyssa emerge.

“Alpha,” Alyssa directs towards me. “We have healed the wound on her abdomen. It’s clear of any infection. It will be sore for a while, but with rest and good nourishment, she’ll be healed in no time.”

I step forward. “Thank you, both,” I say heavily. “I’m extremely grateful.”

Gemma gives me a soft smile. “We know you are.”

“She’s asleep at the moment because we needed her to be still and calm when we cleaned the injury. But she should wake soon, and we recommend water and a small portion of food,” Alyssa says while straightening out her white shirt.

“Of course.” I nod and glance back at Lucy. “I’ll have someone bring food over from the kitchen. Are there any other serious injuries we need to be aware of?”

“We’ve checked her over for broken bones and internal bleeding. One of her ribs is cracked, and she has sprained ankles. When she has enough strength, we’ll be able to heal the rest of her, but we need to take our time and not overwhelm her human body.” Gemma offers me a smile.

When Gemma and Alyssa dismiss themselves, I step back into the room with Lucy by my side. I don’t loom over the bed to study her injury; I trust they’ve done the best they can.

“I think we need to give her some time to adjust,” Lucy comments.

“Yeah.” I glance at my sister, but her focus is on Ava. “What is it?”

Lucy’s eyes start to water, and her mouth opens, but nothing comes out. Oh, Goddess. Her voice echoes into my head.

“What’s happening?”

---