13. Jaxon
I’ve had an early morning of sifting through piles of more work I’ve ignored over the last few months. This is the third morning in a row—which often drags into the afternoon. Kayden’s thoughts buzz around my head. You’re going to overwork yourself.
Maybe I’m heading that way, but I won’t stop until it’s done.
Once I’ve cleared my backlog, I’ll be able to focus on calculating a plan to take down Lucien’s pack. I don’t want to make any mistakes. I want to wipe him and anyone who has ever touched Ava from this world. I don’t care what their excuses are; I want them to pay for what they’ve done to her. I want her to be at peace, knowing they no longer exist in the world.
I head downstairs once I’ve completed as much work as I can before my head explodes. I need to call a meeting soon to pitch my ideas and see where the plan can lead us.
When I reach the kitchen, I’m surprised to see Lucy standing outside on the patio, trimming the plants she’s been growing. I never took her for the type to have a green thumb, but she’s done well not to kill them.
“Where’s Ava?” I ask as I push open the back door.
“She’s with Gemma.” She offers me a small smile. “She’s been having a lot of sessions with her.”
My brows rise. “I know.”
“Do you know how they’re going?”
“No.” I cup my elbows. “I don’t want to push her. I’m letting her come to me.”
Lucy nods and attends to her gardening again. “And how’s that going for you?”
“She held my hand on her own accord the other day,” I admit. “That was a big step for her.”
“Good for her.” She flicks her blonde hair over her shoulder, and I catch the smile she’s sporting. “She’s slowly finding her feet.”
I hum softly before leaving her to the plants. I find myself wandering around the perimeter of our house, checking in on our security guards and those who are on territory watch. Everything seems in check.
Since I met Ava, I stepped up security within our land. I’m not taking any chances. I want this place to be her sanctuary.
When I return, I find Ava making herself a drink in the kitchen. I knock on the door so I don’t startle her, but she turns unphased. “I knew you were there.”
“You did?” I raise my brows and lean on the counter beside her.
She stirs her tea and nods. “Whenever you’re around, the hairs on my arms stand without me even seeing you. I’ve got used to it now.”
That proves the bond is strengthening—and not just on my part.
“How was your session with Gemma?” I ask curiously.
She turns towards me with cautious eyes. “Yeah, it was fine.”
“Only fine?”
“As fine as therapy can be,” Ava says quietly. “W-we’re trying to figure out my past.”
I pause for a moment and take her in. “Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“How was it?”
“Unsuccessful.”
The frown that covers her face is adorable and hurts my heart at the same time. “It’s okay,” I reassure her. “There will be other chances for you guys to talk and figure things out in your own time.”
Ava sighs softly and looks away, pulling her teaspoon out of her mug and leaving it on the side. The clean freak inside me tightens, but I don’t want to disrupt this conversation. Instead, I take the spoon and silently place it in the dishwasher.
“I guess. It’s frustrating because I want to remember, but everything”s so blurry, and I can’t concentrate on a single detail.”
“You’ll get there eventually. I know it,” I say with a smile.
She nods but doesn’t respond. Lucy and Sebastian enter the kitchen a few moments later. “Guys, I had the best idea ever!”
“What’s that?” I ask over my shoulder.
“The sun is shining, and the weather is gorgeous. We should totally head down to the lake and take a swim, enjoy the sun, and eat some late lunch. What do you guys think?” Lucy’s expression glows.
“Don’t you have lessons with the witches today?” I quirk a brow.
My sister shakes her head. “We got up early and did them this morning. But you wouldn’t know because you’re too busy working away in your office.”
“For important reasons.”
Lucy dismisses me. “But it will be good to get some fresh air and get away from the house.”
I turn back to Ava, who is holding her scalding tea between her hands and raising it to her lips. “Do you want to?”
Those eyes cut to mine, and she pulls back. “I–Uhh–” She pauses. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
“You can have something of mine,” Lucy interjects. “Might be good for you to get out of the house. What do you think?”
She flicks her gaze between the three of us. “Oh…” Her throat constricts.
“You don’t have to. Don’t feel pressured.”
“No.” Ava shakes her head. “I want to. Like you said, it’ll be good to get out of the house. I think I could do with a change of scenery.”
Lucy claps her hands together. “Amazing. We’re just going to grab our things, and then we can leave in half an hour. I’ll leave some clothes on your bed, Ava.”
“Thanks,” she says from behind me.
Soon, she leaves to pack her things together and get dressed. I do the same. I can’t remember the last time I was at the lake. It’s been a long few years since I enjoyed my free time.
I tell Kayden to take charge whilst I’m gone. It’s rare I take time for myself—except for my dark days. Now, it’s not just for me; it’s for Ava, too. If getting her out of the house can help with her mental battle in any way, then I’m here to try it.
Lucy and Sebastian are waiting for me when I reach the bottom of the stairs. Ava tucks a piece of hair behind her ear as she watches me approach. To my surprise, she smiles, stretching those pretty pink lips.
We jump in my car and take the short journey to the lake. Luckily, it’s on our property, meaning it’s ours whenever we want to use it. It’s one of the benefits of owning a lot of land within our district and guaranteeing privacy.
The car comes to a stop, and Ava glances out the window at the entrance to the lake. She pops the door open and steps out, leaving her hand on the edge of the window. “Wow,” she whispers. “It’s beautiful.”
I step out after her and look across the lake that the sun is gleaming off. The tall trees crowd the rippling water, making the place look majestic. I’ve always loved coming here—it reminds me of where I grew up, and this feels like home from home.
“The water is so clear,” Ava whispers under her breath.
My mouth forms a smile. “Did you think it was going to be murky and green?”
“Yeah. I guess I did. I don’t know why.”
“Ahhh, I love it here,” Lucy squeals as she joins us. “Let’s set up and get into the water. It’s a hot one today.”
As she rushes away with Sebastian, I glance back at Ava, who grabs her bag and takes timid steps towards the lakefront. “You okay?” I ask.
A soft hum vibrates through her lips. “Yeah. I’m just–” She pauses. “I’m grateful to be here.”
Something weird happens to my heart. A pang almost sends me toppling over. I struggle to take my eyes off her as she takes in every last detail of the lake. She’s counting her blessings for this freedom.
All I know is that revenge will be sweet.
Lucy and Sebastian are already swimming off towards the other side. “Do you want to get in?” I ask before grabbing the hem of my T-shirt from my neck and tugging it off my body.
Ava’s eyes immediately focus on my bare chest, and then she blinks once, then twice. I clear my throat quietly as her cheeks bleed with a blush that makes her look incredibly innocent. My head tilts down to my abs and muscles, which are all packed together. If anything came from Julia”s passing, I spent a lot of time exercising to get myself out of the darkest depths of hell.
“Yeah,” she says after a long moment. I turn around when she takes off her leggings. “I feel more comfortable going in like this.”
She’s in one of Lucy’s old T-shirts. I nod my understanding. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”
I know I shouldn’t be looking, but I do. Her arms and legs are beginning to fill out from when she first came to the house. She’s been eating her portions and even going in for seconds, which makes my heart sing with pride. I’m relieved she’s treating her body with the care and love it needs. But when I look down to her ankles to find scars of where she’s been shackled and cuts and marks across her thighs and arms from where she’s endured pain over and over, I tell myself to take a breath.
My eyes close automatically. The thought has my wolf ready to turn back and run straight to Lucien to kill him right now. How could anyone do that to someone, let alone their mate?
The thought makes my stomach fold.
Ava pauses at the lakefront and dips her toes in before releasing a low shriek. “What’s wrong?” I step towards her.
“Co-ld.” She shudders, and I release a chuckle.
“I know it’s cold this time of year, but surely, it can’t be that bad.”
Ava’s brows rise to her hairline. “It’s freezing!”
I take one step forward and let the water meet my bare feet. She’s right. It’s definitely not warm. “Pfft,” I say teasingly. “Baby.”
Her mouth hangs open, and then she lowers down to scoop the clear water up between her palms and throws it in my direction. The water hits my body with a splat at the same time, a gust of wind ripples by and makes me groan internally. As werewolves, we have high internal body temperatures, but having it splashed at you still isn’t enjoyable.
Then, the most beautiful sound falls from her lips. She laughs. It’s like all the questions in my life have been answered in those few split seconds. I stare at the way her face lights up with joy and fuck–
I want her to laugh every day.
“You think that’s funny, huh?” I flash her a grin.
“I had to prove a point.” She covers her hand over her mouth, and I resist the urge to take her wrist so I can witness every second before it disappears.
I shoot her a playful look, but her eyes sparkle.
“Fine. Point proven.”