Chapter 15

HAYLEY

A week has passed since my first lesson with Axton, and we’ve grown closer. I trust him not to hurt me, so I’m at ease around him.

My speech has improved a bit, not a lot, but it’s progress nonetheless.

Axton brought me some children’s books from the pack’s library. They’re fun to read, with their colorful pictures. I can’t read all the words yet, but I’m getting there.

Lily spends time with me every day. She’s so sweet and innocent, I see a bit of myself in her. She’s like a mini-me.

I met Lily’s babysitter, Rose, during the week.

I met her by accident when Lily ran away from her to play with me. I didn’t know about it until Rose stormed in, her eyes blazing with anger.

But when she saw me, her eyes softened. She seemed nice, but I kept my distance. Her quick change of demeanor made me wary.

Jax has been really busy lately, but he always finds time for me.

Axton told me Jax works every day of the week and rarely takes breaks. But he said that might change now that I’m here.

I guess the pack has had some issues lately. I don’t blame him, he is the alpha after all.

Every night, he comes to bed with me. It makes me melt into his arms and forget about everything else.

I’ve been so independent all my life, it’s scary to rely on someone I just met. But day by day, I feel like I can trust Jax more. Maybe even love him.

Thankfully, he hasn’t mentioned the Bloodnight Pack again. But I still wonder how he knew it was them and not another pack.

I had my second counseling session with Basil a few days ago. I barely spoke to him because I didn’t want to slip up and reveal myself.

If I tell him, he’ll tell Jax, and the happy bubble Jax and I are in will burst.

Today is my first training session with Jax. Right now, we’re snuggled in bed, wrapped in the duvet.

Jax is still snoring softly behind me, while I watch two pigeons preening each other out the window.

They look like an old couple, deeply in love. The bigger one nudges the smaller one. They look at each other and nudge their heads together.

The sight tugs at my heartstrings. They gaze into the distance, staying close to each other.

I wonder if Jax and I will be like that in the future. Not pigeons, of course, but just as close.

Jax’s breath quickens and I feel his eyelashes brush against the back of my neck.

He tightens his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. I sigh.

Jax nuzzles his head against my hair, reminding me of the male pigeon.

I turn my neck toward Jax and see his half-closed eyes looking back at me. I notice a bit of drool hanging from his mouth and I wipe it away with my thumb.

I giggle when he licks his lips repeatedly.

He slowly opens his eyes, but quickly shuts them and mutters, “Too bright.”

I laugh at his cuteness and gently stroke his cheek. We stay like this for another twenty minutes. Jax drifts back into a light sleep while I study his perfect features.

Honestly, I could do this all day.

Eventually, Jax wakes up. He kicks off the duvet and stretches so much that his feet hang off the end of the bed.

He turns back to me and smiles. I can’t help but smile back.

In his raspy voice, he says, “I took the whole day off today, so I can spend it all with you.”

He intertwines our fingers and strokes the back of my hand with his thumb. “We can do your session early today, then spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want.”

He pecks the tip of my nose and says, “Come on, let’s get up.” He gets out of bed while I sit there, blushing.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to him kissing me.

He walks over to me and pulls me toward him, his hands resting on my lower back. “You take a shower and I’ll make breakfast. Then we can start your training. Sound good?”

I nod and hesitantly rise onto my tiptoes to peck his cheek. When I pull back, Jax looks shocked, then breaks into a wide smile.

Embarrassed, I slip out of his hold and run into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

Even without werewolf hearing, I can hear his laughter echoing from the bedroom. I drop to my knees, mortified.

I shake my head and laugh at the situation. Pushing those thoughts aside, I head for the shower.

***

After my shower and breakfast, Jax leads me into the forest to an empty field where we’ll train. Jax has brought some equipment.

I have no idea what it’s for, but I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.

I know the first few sessions will be tough, and I won’t be able to do much.

Deciding to change my life was also tough, but I did it. I can handle this too.

“Let’s start with a brisk walk, then move into a light jog to get your heart going,” Jax says. I think if Jax took his shirt off, that would get my heart going.

Realizing my dirty thoughts, I scold myself to get my mind out of the gutter.

After the run, I’m panting like I ran a marathon. I can’t catch my breath.

I look to see how far I ran and am disappointed to see I only managed half a lap. I shake off the negativity and tell myself I just need practice.

My mindset fluctuates throughout the forty-minute session.

Jax breezes through every task, not even breaking a sweat, while I’m left struggling to keep up.

We’re now on the ground, stretching out our muscles. I’m in dire need of it.

“Hayley,” Jax calls out, pulling my attention towards him. I swivel my head to face him, waiting for him to continue. He shuffles closer, his hand enveloping mine.

“I’ve been thinking,” he starts, “maybe it’s time for you to start meeting the pack. We’d take it slow, of course. Start with just one or two members so it’s not too overwhelming.

“But if you think it’s too soon, that’s okay too. I just thought I’d ask because the pack is really eager to meet you. What do you think?”

My instinct is to retreat, to avoid meeting anyone. But I push myself to step out of my comfort zone, to face my fears.

So, with a small nod and a soft smile, I lift my chin and say, “Absolutely. I’d love to meet some of the pack members.” I’m ready to step up, to lead the pack alongside Jax, to fulfill the destiny I was born for…