06

Ava finally ate, although it took her ages to get through the meal. I knew that she probably had no appetite and needed to start off small, so when she didn't finish neither Lucy or I said anything.

She was currently showering and Lucy gave her some spare clean clothes to change into.

"She should probably see the doctor," I say to Lucy as we wait for Ava to come downstairs.

Lucy nods. "I agree."

Louise could you come to the living room, ASAP. I mink link our pack doctor.

"She's become much more talkative." Lucy comments.

I hum. "It's the bond." I say and Lucy's eyes widen.

"Already? Damn, I didn't think you guys would feel it for a while." She says as she pushes her blonde hair behind her ears.

I huff. "Me either, but it's definitely there."

"Alpha Jaxon." Louise's voice enters the room as she walks towards the sofas.

"Louise," I nod my head to her.

"How can I help Alpha?"

"This is going to sound crazy but I have a second mate. I'm not sure what exactly she's been through but I know that she's been abused. Will you be able to check her to see if she's okay?" I ask and Louise nods instantly.

"Of course Alpha Jaxon." She bows her head to me. "I'm pleased that you've found her."

I offer her a half smile. "Oh and... she isn't a wolf. She's a human." I quickly add and Louise's face turns into a shocked expression but she quickly recovers.

"W-what do I do with these towels?" Ava's little voice comes from behind us and we all turn to look at her.

Her dark damp hair falling over her face. I feel my breath catch in my throat as I look into those brown eyes. "Oh I'll take them for you!" Lucy says as she jumps up from the sofa.

"Ava this is Louise, our doctor. She's here to check you over."

Ava shifts uncomfortably on the spot, her eyes looking anywhere else but mine.

"I-I'm fine," she stutters.

"You might be fine, but I want to double check." I say trying to stop myself from coming across aggressive or pushy.

Louise makes her way over to Ava. "Hi Ava, if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable let me know and we can stop." Louise says gently to my mate.

Ava nods hesitantly and I can sense her fear, the feeling strongly radiating onto me. Almost so strong it begins to tug on my heart. The bond was trying it's hardest to connect us.

I wait outside as Louise inspects Ava, praying that she was fine and has no internal damage. I know she was mentally damaged, but I knew I'd be willing to help her and work on it.

"Okay," Louise says as she pokes her head out the door and calls for my attention. I follow her back into the room and give Ava some distance.

"Ava you're just dehydrated and malnourished. Nothing some good food and lots of water can't help. Just make sure you don't do loads of activity that can tire you out." Louise smiles at her gently.

"O-Okay, thank you." Ava's voice is quiet again.

"Alpha Jaxon," Louise bows her head to me before leaving the room.

I turn my attention back to Ava who is staring at me wide eyed. I quickly check the time on the wall, 10PM. My little mate looks exhausted and even though she slept all last night, I could feel her tiredness filter into me.

"Do you want me to go back to your room?" I ask and watch as she bites her lip.

"Yes, Alpha." She then bows her head to me.

My eyebrows furrow towards her and I find my feet walking forward until I am directly in front of her. Her eyes slowly trail up to meet mine, she looks scared and I know she doesn't want to be touched.

"You don't need to call me Alpha or bow to me, Ava." I have to resist the urge to reach up and gently caress her cheek. "You and I are equal, you can just call me Jaxon... or Jax."

"Jax," She repeats and the sound of my name coming off her tongue was enough to give me goosebumps.

Sleeping alone when I knew my mate was next door was a form of torture. I wanted to be with her, even my wolf wanted to be with her and I couldn't remember the last time I felt his instincts.

I know I needed to give her time to adjust and time for her to trust me. An unsettling feeling churns in my stomach and my breathing becomes heavier.

I could hear thoughts. Her thoughts.

She was having a nightmare.

I close my eyes trying to not hear her fear and pain.

Stop.Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Her unconscious thoughts come trailing into my head.

Help me. Help me. Help me. Help me. Help me. Help me. They come through again and I can't help but grunt in anger.

I quickly mind link Lucy. She's having a nightmare, I need to make sure that she's okay...

No! Don't go in there. You'll scare her.

Then what the fuck am I meant to do? I can't just sit here and listen to it. It's killing me.

I know Jaxon, I know it's hard. Until you've earned her trust, don't push it. It might just push her away further.

This is ruining me.

It'll end soon. Nightmares never last long.

If she's still having a nightmare in an hour there is no way I can just sit about. My wolf won't even let me sleep he wants to protect her.

Then see her in an hour, if she needs you. Goodnight Jaxon.

A sigh heaves out of my chest, feeling distressed. Night Lucy.

I cannot even ignore the thoughts and feelings that are running through my head. Just how petrified she was enough to haunt me into the things she might have been through.

My wolf inside me helps and whines at my mates pain and agony. I clutch my chest and close my eyes, hoping that this night ends soon.

My legs don't stop pacing around the living room whilst I wait for my mate to wake up.

I wanted nothing more than to make sure that she's okay after last night. Her nightmare stopped which allowed me to fall asleep shortly after but I was still constantly worrying about her.

"Chill the hell out would you?" I hear Lucy as she walks into the living room. Sebastian is with her and he gives me a slight nod.

I scowl towards my sister. "She's in the shower you weirdo, chill." Lucy says as she passes into the kitchen.

"Morning Kayden." She greets my beta.

"Morning," he smiles at them both. His attention is then towards me. "Alpha."

I nod in return.

"So Jaxon, when are the rest of the pack gonna meet your mate?" Kayden asks.

Instantly rolling my eyes. "When she's ready Kayden."

"Sorry." He apologises. "It's just we've never heard of a wolf getting two chances at a mate. We were just thinking that maybe she wasn't real." He laughs slightly.

I feel myself walking towards Kayden. "What did you say?" I snarl.

"It-it was more of a joke." His voice wobbles.

"She is real Kayden, she's just petrified of people because she's been through hell." I say bluntly and I watch as Kayden's face drains of all colour.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Yeah, well maybe next time you sho—"

My voice is cut off when I start to feel a burning sensation on my back.

"Jaxon, are you okay?" Kayden asks as he studies my face.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I recover as I wipe my forehead.

Then the sensation happens again but feels ten times hotter. My eyes begin to water at the painful feeling.

What was happening?

Then realisation suddenly hit.