Mates: Jax's Story

Chapter 12

I waste no time going to the packhouse and upstairs to Jax’s office. I wonder what his reaction will be once I tell him what I learned from Shanice. I wonder who got this on her mind, though the only culprit I can think of is her sister; why would she do that? Why would she try to keep her sister away from her mate?

I don’t bother knocking, walking right into his office. Jax flinches at first; then he relaxes when he sees it’s me. Jax settles back in his seat, looking worn out. He won’t be able to be without his mate for too much longer. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I just left Shanice.” At the mention of her name, Jax perks up in the chair. I sit across from him, reading his body language. I can tell he’s getting impatient to learn what I know, but I have to say that I’m enjoying watching him squirm.

“Well?!” I work overtime to keep my smile hidden. I lean forward slightly to place my elbows on my knees. I fold my fingers together and put my chin on them. Jax looks like he’s about to burst at the seams, and I find it hilarious.

“So your buddy ran off again. I was looking everywhere for her.” Jax doesn’t respond but is watching me. “For some reason I decide to look outside, even though I figured there was no way she would be all the way out there.” I sit back in my seat. “I mean, Kamila, going outside? That’s just crazy. Don’t get me wrong; I know she’s a whiz at doorknobs. I thought we had taught her enough to know not to go outside on her own. I guess I have to do better with-”

“OH, FOR THE LOVE OF GODDESS!!!! What does any of this have to do with my mate?!” I couldn’t help it at this point. I start to laugh hysterically while listening to Jax breathe heavily. I know I will pay for this later, but I’m having too much fun for now.

“Relax,” I say when I finally catch my breath. “While all I said was true, that isn’t the point of me being here. I did talk to Shanice, but she has some strange ideas.” Jax seems to settle down, and he looks like he’s curious. “She was going on about needing to get settled so her sister can move. She was talking about how her sister will be moving to the packhouse and will become the Beta female. It was all pretty weird.”

Jax POV

I love Red to death, but if she hadn’t gotten to the point, I would have had to hurt her. I’m not sure if I could have succeeded, but I definitely would have tried my hardest. Thankfully, she didn’t draw it out too long, though she will pay for what she did.

I let Kehlani’s words sick in, and the confusion set in. Janice is to be Beta female? Janice is going to move into the packhouse? I haven’t heard any of this before now. I don’t know who set these rumors in motion, though my mind keeps going to Janice herself. That would be crazy, though. Why would Janice try to keep her sister from her fated mate? Why would anyone be that cruel to their own family? “Where is she now?”

“I left her outside with my mate and child.” I swiftly stand up and start to head to the door. I notice that I’m moving alone, so I stop and turn back. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go before they leave.”

“Okay, okay,” Kehlani rises from her seat and following me out the door. We make it to the back door in no time, but I stop before exiting the packhouse. I have to admit that I’m really nervous about talking to her. From what I can tell, she is amazing, and I don’t want to mess it up.

You’re already messing up by standing here like a dummy.

Give me a break, Cornelius. This is serious and has to be done right.

Just talk to her; what’s so hard about that?

I just want to make sure I don’t say the wrong thing.

Would you grow a pair? Just go out there and say ‘hello.” It really isn’t that hard. I hate when he acts like being human is so beneath him and effortless. There hasn’t been a time that I’ve tried to do this relationship thing, so naturally, I’m terrified of messing things up. It doesn’t help that she’s spent this time staying away from me.

I take a deep breath and head out of the packhouse. I walk toward the woods, but I see a mass on the grass before I get too far. As I get closer, I see Jayden, Pickles, and my mate. Pickles seems to be entertaining the adults; they laugh at something she did. I walk up quickly and quietly, not wanting to run her off before I get there. I can tell the moment she senses me; she takes a deep breath before looking up. “H….hey guys.”

“UKL DAX!!” Kamila runs to me and flings herself on my legs. I lean down and pick her up, not taking my eyes off my mate. I’m scared that if I look away, she’ll take that moment to flee. Jayden stands up, dusting off his pants. Shanice doesn’t move or take her eyes off me. Jayden walks up to me and places a hand on Kamila’s back.

“Why don’t we give Uncle Jax some time, baby girl. We can see him later.” Kamila moans sadly, and I hate it when she makes that sound.

“I promise, Pickles, I will see you soon. Maybe we can play with your building blocks.” Kamila claps her hands, and I kiss her on the cheek before allowing Jayden to take her out of my arms. I stand still while Jayden walks back toward the packhouse with Kehlani.

This is it; this is our moment. No one is here to interrupt, and she hasn’t run away. I walk a bit closer to Shanice and slide to the ground, sitting in front of her. “You are a hard person to get close to.” Shanice doesn’t respond. I reach out a shaky hand and lightly caress her cheek. The sparks; I’ve heard about them all my life, but nothing prepared me for how they really feel. I feel the shiver go through my body, and if things weren't how they are, I’d pounce on her right now.

I slowly pull my hand back and watch Shanice. I sit back a bit and just wait. I don’t know the next step, but I know I could look at her all day without speaking. Her beauty is breathtaking, and I can’t get enough. Shanice’s large, hazel eyes bore into mine, and I’m getting lost in them. She has glowing, ebony skin, which looks like it’s soft to the touch. She has high cheekbones and thick, pouty lips. I try not to imagine what that mouth does because I don’t want to run this moment with an erection. Her hair is really cute on her, asymmetrical bob with red highlights.

We sit longer, just staring at each other, until I decide to break the silence. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, you know. I’m a real nice guy.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” Goddess, her voice!

“If you aren’t afraid of me, why have you been avoiding me?”

“Wh…what do you mean?”

“You’ve been here for three days and have made it a point to stay away from me. I know you feel the bond like I do so why are we just now speaking?” I lean back on my hands, waiting for her answer.