“And that includes Jaxon,” I state.
“I promise I won’t tell him or anyone.” Her eyes glisten. “I can’t believe it. Has he been treating you right?”
I lower my head. “We’re not?—”
“Not what?”
“It’s not going to work out.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s him, and I’m me.”
Ava scowls. “What does that mean?”
“We’re too different,” I land on.
“Well, he won’t be able to deny the matebond eventually.”
I sigh so deeply it hurts my lungs. “I want him to like me for me,” I whisper. “Not because of the matebond. I want it to be real, not forced. I promise you, Ava, it’s not going to work out. It’s not like he likes what he sees.”
“I wish you could see how we all see you. A young, handsome, brave man who has nothing but love and loyalty in his heart."
My throat turns dry.
“What you did today, what you did for me a few years ago, the way you’ve been able to carry on with your life regardless of what happened. You have come out the other side stronger than ever. You are wise and kind. You are an asset to us, and I wish you could see how incredible you truly are.”
Her words make my eyes burn, and I lower my head. They are words I’ve always wanted to hear and never experienced. Reminding me that maybe I’m not as weak as I think.
“You might not see it, but one day you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.”
A tear rolls down my cheek, and before I get the chance to wipe it away, Ava wraps me up in her arms. We share a long hug I’ve needed over the last few weeks.
She rubs my back soothingly before pulling away, but holding me at arm’s length. Her eyes meet mine again. “If he’s too stupid to realise you’d be the best thing in his life, then he’s losing out big time. You always have a family here with us, never forget that.”
“Glad someone believes in me,” I say half-heartedly, but it comes out broken.
“You’re like the little brother I never had.” She grins.
I breathe out a laugh. “Unconventionally, of course.”
She wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You hungry? I bet you’re hungry.”
Even though I’ve been hungry since earlier, I seem to have lost my appetite after my altercation with Caleb.
11
CALEB
There’s a knock at my office door that stirs me away from my workload. “Come in,” I call out.
Zara steps inside with a small smile. “Jaxon’s pack is here to help out.”
“Okay. I’ll be down in a second.”
Once I’ve finished up my reports, I head downstairs. Ever since Jaxon’s pack members have come over to help, Cole’s old pack have started to settle, and things have been a lot better. They might not trust me yet, but they’re definitely beginning to soften at the thought.
I gave them a choice; if they want to leave, they can. They’re not my prisoners and never will be. I haven’t taken away any of their rights or privileges. All I ask is that they stand by me and remain loyal. Some are sceptical, others are adapting, but it’s a work in progress.
