Page 32 of Second Chance Mates

“Yeah.” He pauses by my desk and shoves his hands into his pockets. “I know you miss us. I know you miss stepping up as our Alpha. I can only imagine this has to do with Ava and the bond that’s growing between you.”

I lean back in my chair and sigh. “My head's a mess. I feel guilty for wanting to let the bond strengthen between us, and then I think about Julia. My heart hasn’t been the same since she left us.”

Kayden nods. “I get that. But don’t you think she’d want you to be happy? You’re not going to forget about her. She’s always going to be a part of your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop things with Ava. The Moon Goddess doesn’t lie. She’s blessed you with a second mate for a reason.”

I bury my head in my hands. “Some days, I wake up excited to see Ava’s face, and then I think about Julia and the way she looked when they–”

“Stop torturing yourself, Jaxon.” Kayden’s loud voice snaps me back into the room and away from my wandering thoughts. “I get it. She’s gone. We all miss her. But Ava, she needs you. She needs us as a pack, even if she’s human. Sometimes, I wanna kick your ass to make you see sense.”

“Fucking dare.” I point a finger at him.

Kayden’s mouth stretches into a shit-eating grin. “When you need it, I’m going to deliver. Don’t you worry.”

I huff out a breath through my nose.

“I know things are hard, but when do you ever give up?”

My eyes harden. “Never.”

“Then let all of these negative emotions go. You can grieve; I am not taking that away from you. But your family has been here the entire time. We’re not the same when you’re not with us. If anything, it’s Ava who has allowed us to see you more over the past month. She’s bringing you back slowly, even if you don’t see it yourself.”

Deep down, I know he’s right. I’ve spent more time in the house than I have in my office, all because I want to make sure Ava is comfortable.

“I’m taking it one day at a time.”

“And I’m proud of you, brother. But if you ever make me say that soppy shit again, I’ll have to kill you.”

The corner of my mouth tips in amusement. “I’ll call a training session for today. It’s been long overdue.”

Kayden grins. “Thank the Goddess. I know work is important, but so is reconnecting with the pack. They’ll be ready and waiting.”

I definitely missed taking charge and being with my loyal pack members. How could I not? They’ve stuck by me, even when I’ve been an asshole and deserve nothing but silent treatment. I’ve been absent during the time I was grieving Julia, and I have a lot to make up for.

At least I can admit it’s good for distractions, even when I didn’t want to listen to their words of advice. I thought I knew best, and I thought wrong.

Alphas don’t like being told what to do; I can vouch for that.

During our training session, I find my wolves are more than eager to please, and I appreciate every second of it. They respond to my orders, and together, we connect on a new level. Despite not being able to shift because my wolf refuses to show himself, I’ve used my human strength to push through instead.

By the end of the training session, I know I’ve worked them to the bone. I might be a pusher, but it’s for the greater good. They need to move outside of their comfort zones to improve, and I’m making up for lost time.

I’m not going to let them down again. I’m not going to let myself down either.

I’m striving to be a better man—someone my dad would be proud of.

When we all prowl back to the pack house, I spot a figure in the window. I recognise Ava’s long dark hair and piercing brown eyes. My lip curls at her curiosity. She’s beginning to ask more questions, but it’s mostly directed at Lucy because they spend more time together. A part of me is slightly envious, but at the same time, I know she needs her comfort first.

My time will come, when I’ve earned it. I’m sure of it.

I slip through the back door of my private kitchen where Ava is standing. Her eyes roam over my body, taking in my sweaty skin and dirty forearms before landing on my face.

“Hey.” I smile at her. “You okay?”

Ava nods once. “Hey.” Her voice is quiet. “Yeah. I was watching you guys.”

Warmth spreads in my heart at her confession. “It’s been a while since I’ve been out there.”

“Why?”

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