Page 98 of Second Chance Mates

My eyes blink in surprise. “I can’t believe he would endure that.”

“She helped him through the aftermath of becoming Alpha,” she explains. “I think he held onto that.”

I nod once. “What was he like when she–” I pause. “You know…died?”

Lucy flashes me a sad smile. “A mess. I was worried about him.”

“I see.”

My chest turns to cement. Why did I ask that question? Of course, he would be a mess. They were together for a long time, and he loved her. Losing someone special to you is something you’ll never get over.

We both remain silent for a moment as Lucy takes our plates and places them in the sink. I bite my tongue because I’m full of a thousand questions, but I know I should be talking to Jaxon about this.

Yet, the thought of bringing Julia up makes my heart ache.

“Lucy.” I twist in my seat. “Why do you think we were given second chances?”

She meets my gaze across the kitchen. “Because I think the Moon Goddess got it all severely messed up in the first place, and she had to put it right. When I see you together, the way he looks at you, the way you look at him. The development your relationship has taken. I just know you two are meant to be together.”

A quick flash of the dream I had a month ago sparks in my mind. It might have been nothing, but it felt personal. I’m on the right path. I definitely feel like it, even if I can’t explain it.

“You are everything Jaxon has ever wanted. You’re down to earth and real. You make an effort with the pack. You are so different compared to Julia, and honestly, you are a breath of fresh air.” Lucy gives me a supportive smile.

My heart thrashes against my ribcage.

“You two have been building genuine trust. You didn’t submit to the mate bond right away. Instead, you let it guide you,” she carries on.

“Yeah,” I whisper. “It’s been an emotional and taxing journey.”

Lucy purses her lips to hum softly. “Yes, it might have been taxing, but everything you’ve done, you’ve done because you are a strong woman who deserves to be happy.”

“I’m getting there,” I admit.

Not everything is perfect inside my mind, but it’s a work in progress, and I’m preparing myself for the hurdles along the way.

Later that night, I toss and turn in my bed. I shove my head into the pillow and close my eyes as tightly as possible, but nothing is allowing me to sleep. I release a frustrated groan and roll onto my back.

I stare at the ceiling for what seems like hours before I build up the courage to throw the covers off my body and walk down the hall towards Jaxon’s bedroom. He’s not here, so I shouldn’t be apprehensive.

He said I’m welcome to sleep in his bed any time, and I know for a fact his smell will calm me enough to send me to sleep. I press my fingers down onto the handle and step inside. His deep scent immediately crashes over me like a wave, all earthy and natural.

I shut the door behind me and walk to his wardrobe. My fingers brush over the edges of his T-shirts. I don’t hesitate before pulling one from the hanger and raising it to my nose to inhale. My eyes close with satisfaction. I take off my pyjamas and slip it over my body, and then I tuck myself between the sheets. They’re cold, and I wish for nothing more than his body heat. It’s been almost twenty-four hours, and the bond is beginning to tighten. At first, the sensation was dull, but now, I’m aching to be with him.

Hey, I say through our mindlink. Are you there?

For a few moments, my mind is silent. I rub my hand down my face and exhale a long breath.

Goddess, I’ve been dying to hear your voice, Ava. Is everything okay?

My skin rises in goosebumps at the way his words wrap around my heart.

Everything is fine. I wanted to hear your voice, too. Make sure you’re in one piece.

He chuckles softly. I’m safe. I’ll be home soon, I promise.

I shudder in the sheets. Your bed is cold without you.

You’re sleeping in my bed?

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