Chapter 43

HAYLEY

I blink my eyes open, coming face-to-face with my sleeping mate, Jax. The memories of last night rush back, making me blush at the thought of our passionate encounters.

My mark is etched on Jax’s neck, and I can’t resist reaching out to touch it. As I trace the spot where I’d bitten him just hours ago, Jax starts to stir.

I pull back, wanting him to rest. He’s been having trouble sleeping since he found out about his dad’s death. He needs to catch up on some sleep.

I slip out of bed quietly, realizing I’m completely naked. I rush to the bathroom, closing the door behind me. My heart is still pounding as I approach the mirror.

Looking at my reflection, I can’t help but feel joy at the sight of the mark on my neck. Jax’s mark. Eight puncture wounds, a permanent reminder of his love for me.

I reach up to touch my mark. It feels good, but not as good as when Jax touches it.

I scan the rest of my body, my happiness growing as I notice the pink marks Jax has left all over me. I’m sure his skin looks similar.

My eyes return to my mark, and tears start to fall.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Jax standing behind me.

“Are you okay, love? Did I hurt you?” he asks.

“No, not at all. I just love you so much...it’s a little scary,” I whisper.

“Don’t be scared, love. We’re in this together, remember?” Jax says, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against his naked body.

I don’t try to cover myself; I’m comfortable being naked in front of my mate.

“It’s beautiful,” I say, referring to the mark Jax made.

He gently traces his fingers from my fingertips, up my arms, and to the base of my neck. His fingers lightly skim over my mark.

I lean back into him, the pleasure so intense I feel like I can’t control my body. Jax holds me up as he plays with my mark, and I can’t stop the moans that escape my lips.

Jax stops suddenly and looks down at me. “Follow me,” he says, leading me to the shower.

I take the opportunity to look at the mark I made on Jax’s skin. It’s still red and raw, but it suits him. It will keep other females away from him—just like my mark will. I’m proud of how it looks.

It’s not as big as the mark Jax made on me, but I’m still proud of it.

He lets go of my hand and adjusts the water temperature before we step into the shower. The water is hot enough to soothe my sore muscles from last night, but not so hot that it burns my skin.

Every part of my body is sore, especially between my legs; that’s definitely due to the size of Jax’s manhood.

Last night was special because Jax didn’t treat me like I was broken. He didn’t focus on my scars; they were almost invisible to him. He saw me for who I truly am.

Jax grabs a bottle of shampoo and pours some into his hand. “Turn around,” he says.

I do as he asks, and he massages my scalp, releasing months of built-up tension. He repeats the process with conditioner, making it feel heavenly.

After I do the same for Jax, I grab a loofah and lather it with shower gel. I gently run it over his body while he watches me, seemingly captivated.

How did I get so lucky? He leans down and kisses me softly. He tilts my chin up with his finger for better access. When he pulls away, I notice he’s taken the loofah from me.

“My turn,” he murmurs.

With one hand, he guides the loofah over my sensitive areas, while his other hand wanders.

“I never want to stop touching you,” Jax says, lust in his eyes. He looks deep into mine before saying, “Be my luna, Hayley.”

A few heavy moments pass. I’m ready to lead with Jax. He’s always waited for me to be ready, and now I am. “Okay, Alpha,” I say, throwing myself at my mate and kissing him passionately.

***

Our shower was delayed due to some fun activities. Once we finally got out, we got dressed and headed downstairs.

We usually eat alone in the kitchen, but this time I lead Jax outside.

“Where are we going?” Jax asks.

“To the food hall,” I reply. Jax hasn’t eaten with the pack since I arrived, and I think it will help him feel their support.

I want him to lean on me the way I lean on him, which means he needs to talk to me about his dad’s death.

We reach the food hall; all that separates us from the pack is a pair of double doors. If I’m going to be this pack’s luna, I need to act like one. Jax and I push the doors open and walk in together.

Everyone falls silent and stares at us before breaking into cheers and applause.

Confused, I turn to Jax, who can hear everyone’s thoughts. Until I officially become luna, I can only hear Jax’s thoughts.

“They know we mated,” he whispers in explanation.

I suddenly remember that a pack can sense when their alpha and luna have mated. A hot blush creeps up my cheeks, and when I glance at Jax, he’s sporting a similar rosy hue.

“Thanks, everyone,” Jax says, his head dipping in a small nod of appreciation. I find myself smiling at the pack members, no longer intimidated by their collective presence.

“Let’s go,” Jax murmurs, his hand resting on the small of my back as he guides us toward the mountains of food.

“It’s a buffet,” he explains, picking up on my astonishment at the seemingly endless spread.

I’m aware the pack is large, but how on earth does all this food get consumed?

Jax picks up two plates and begins to heap equal amounts of food onto each; far too much for my appetite. Eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, toast, waffles, croissants, pancakes—anything that’s available, Jax manages to squeeze onto our plates.

“I can’t eat all of this,” I protest.

“Whatever you don’t finish, I will.” Jax chuckles. His appetite is impressive, and I have no doubt he could devour even more than what’s piled on these plates.

Once our plates are loaded with mountains of food, Jax guides us to the head of the table where two chairs are waiting. We settle down, and I’m pleased to see Axton seated to my right.

“You guys did it. Congrats,” he practically bellows. The blush I’d managed to suppress a moment ago flares up again.

I start to dig into my breakfast, then remember the conversation I need to have with Axton.

“How’s Rose doing?” I ask.

“She’s not eating, won’t leave her room. She’s in a really bad place.” Axton sighs.

I attempted to talk to Rose a few days ago, but she wouldn’t open her door to me. I asked Axton to leave trays of food outside her room, but she’s obviously not touching them.

Finishing my breakfast, I slide the remaining food—which is most of what’s on the plate—over to Jax and say, “I’m gonna go see Rose.”

I give him a quick peck on the cheek and head out of the dining hall, hoping Rose will finally open up to me.