Page 85 of Second Chance Mates

“I want to train,” I blurt. “I know I’m not like you, but I’d like to get stronger. I’d like to learn some self defence, some fighting skills. I want to trust my body and my mind.”

He nuzzles his head against mine. “Then we’ll train together.” He pecks my clothed shoulder. “If that’s what you want, we can do it. I’ve told you before, just because you’re not a wolf doesn’t mean you’re not one of us.”

“Maybe training will make me feel like one of you.”

“Then I’ll get you to whatever level you want. I have a lot of faith in you and what you can achieve. Will that make you happy?”

I nod before he even finishes the question. “Yes. Very. I want to surprise myself. I want to prove to myself that I’m strong. That I’m able. I’m tired of being the damsel in distress. I want to save myself, and this feels like a step forward.”

Jaxon exhales a sound from the back of his throat. “I want that for you, too, baby. We’ll do whatever you want.”

“Did you have a good time today?” I ask.

“I had the best day ever.” A full grin stretches across his face. “And that’s all because of you.”

I melt into his words, our bodies moulding into one. My head rests against his chest, and I close my eyes. I’m at home in his arms, and I never thought I’d be able to experience this level of security—not with my past. I thought I would be broken to accept care. But I’m not broken; I’m healing.

That is true power.

“Goodnight, Jax.”

“Goodnight, my love.”

Love. My entire body tingles like fireworks exploding in my skin. I release a silent breath, knowing I am going to have the best night’s sleep ever.

“Oh.” Jax leans down to my ear. “And for the record, I am one hundred percent going to make you my wife.”

The bond between us heats up so intensely that I’m burning from the inside out. Tears well in my eyes, and I can’t remove my smile, no matter how hard I try. The idea of marriage is terrifying because I am so young, but his words don’t feel like a prison sentence; they feel like a lifetime of happiness.

29

AVA

It’s been a few days since Lucy and Sebastian’s wedding. Whilst they are off enjoying their honeymoon, Jaxon is whipping the pack back into shape. A few days off doesn’t mean they slack for a second—only now have I realised how determined he is as an Alpha. Always striving for the best.

I’ve been building up the courage to join in with group training, and I told Jaxon I wanted a few sessions with him alone first. I asked him to take it easy because my stamina and strength will be at the other end of the spectrum.

On Monday, we start with core training with balancing and slow movements. On Tuesday, I attempt a stamina session in which I end up on the floor in a heap of dirt from how weak my legs are. On Wednesday, we start with self-defence and practising getting out of certain grips and positions—always finding a way, even if it seems impossible.

Having the Alpha to myself whilst Kayden takes on the rest of the pack has my cheeks heating. I have to admit I love it, selfishly. He’s their leader, and I’ll have to share him eventually, as I’m not the only one who needs him.

By Friday, Jaxon persuades me to join in with group training. I know most of their sessions involve being in their shifted form, but today, he's going to cater it towards me—even though I told him I want to be as invisible as possible.

He rounds us up in the clearing outside the house. “Alright.” His loud voice booms across the trees, making the leaves quake. “Everyone, listen up. We’re going to train in our human forms today. It’s wise to keep up our natural strength as well as our wolves. It’s going to be a little different, but it’s going to benefit us all.”

I suck down a breath and clench my fists together. Jaxon’s eyes meet mine, and he gives me a supportive nod. “I’m going to split you up. Half of you will follow me, the other half will follow Kayden. We’re going to do a light trail run to get warmed up, and then we’ll move on to the good stuff.”

My eyes glance around the group and I’m relieved to find none of their attention is on me. Why would it be? They’re here to train.

Jaxon splits us up, and thankfully, I’m in his group. They lead off down two different paths. He remains at the front to keep everyone running in the right direction. I stay at the back and try my hardest not to die.

You’ve got this, beautiful, Jaxon’s voice echoes through my head.

My lungs hurt.

Warmth spreads through me as if he’s attempting to take away some of my pain. I rub my chest as I run. The ache isn’t as intense as it was a few seconds ago.

Take it easy. You don’t have anything to prove. You’re doing so well.

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