Page 49 of Second Chance Mates

“I dunno. She’s weird, man—like so weird. She’s been here for a few months and is acting like some freak.”

My heart sinks. I know they’re talking about me. “Don’t say shit like that,” Kayden snaps, his voice bouncing off the kitchen walls. “You don’t know her. None of us know her. She’s our future Luna. Jaxon would slaughter you for this.”

The other guy tuts loudly. “Still, she isn’t going to be like Julia, is she? How could someone like her be our Luna? There is no way Jaxon is going to stand for this. He’s nose blind because of how he felt with Julia before. He’s just giving anyone a go.”

“Stop being a fucking ass,” Kayden grumbles. “You don’t know if she’s going to be like Julia. None of us know that. She’s still learning to be around the pack. She’s human, remember? This isn’t easy for her. Speaking awfully about the Alpha’s mate is a low blow, even for you, Sam.”

“All I’m saying is Jaxon could do so much better. It sounds like she’s got baggage–and a lot of it, too. It doesn’t sound fun.”

Bile rises in my throat at the harshness of his words. Baggage? Tears well in my eyes, but I tell myself not to start crying here. Not in case either of them catches me with their heightened senses.

“He isn’t going to leave her. No matter what you or I or anyone think. Good for him; he should do what makes him happy. She’s going to be our future Luna, whether you like it or not,” Kayden says, but with more determination this time.

“Well, he should. She’s just going to bring the pack down.” Sam laughs. “And you haven’t even found your mate, and you sound like a love-sick superhero, trying to save the day as always. Grow up.”

“Keep running your mouth, Sam,” Kayden threatens. “And we’ll see what Jaxon thinks of your disgusting opinions.”

I cannot control my state of mind as it wanders.

Weak.

Pathetic.

Dirty whore.

The thoughts start invading once more, and I can’t remove them.

Weak.

Pathetic.

Dirty whore.

“Stop,” I whisper to myself. “Stop it.”

Weak.

Pathetic.

Dirty whore.

My feet patter against the cold floor as I make my way back upstairs. I run into the bathroom, and at the same time my knees hit the floor, I throw up my entire stomach’s intake. I haven’t eaten anything in a while, but it’s mostly bile, which stings my throat.

I groan in distress and slump to the side, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. “Crap,” I curse as my stomach growls. I close my eyes at the discomfort.

Are you okay? Jaxon must be able to feel my pain. What’s wrong, Ava?

I’m fine, I respond before imagining a large brick wall between us.

I don’t know if this counts as shielding, but it's the first thing I think of.

My knees quiver as I rise onto them and flush the toilet. I tug myself up to stand on my feet, and then stare at the wall behind hazy eyes. My actions take control of me. I don’t even think about what I’m doing next. My fingers lock the bathroom door, and I step into the shower.

I turn on the showerhead to the hottest setting and bend over. At first, it’s freezing. But after a few minutes, it begins to heat up until my T-shirt practically melts into my back at the intensified heat. I don’t realise I’m crying.

This is the only way to make it go away.

I choke back my sobs, biting onto my bottom lip so sharply I break the skin, and the blood seeps into my mouth. My teeth grit at the heat of the water as it pours over every inch of my back.

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