Mates: Jax's Story

Chapter 25

~Shanice~

Nervous! There is no other way to describe how I feel right now. I’m incredibly nervous, and I’m trying to keep it together. I know this is my plan, and I don’t regret it, but I’m still crazy nervous.

It isn’t that serious. You know what needs to be done.

This will be our first time, though. There’s a lot to consider.

Either you handle it, or I will. I swear, Lola is ridiculous these days. She’s always been outspoken and wild, but it seems she’s gotten worse since we found our mate.

I check on the lasagna, making sure I don’t overcook it. I want the meal to be special for Jax. Tonight should be our night to get closer. After hearing what he has been worried about, I just figured I’d take our intimacy into my own hands. I want Jax, and I know he wants me. I can’t sit around and wait for him to feel ‘okay’ about things.

I smooth out my outfit. I wanted to look good but also enticing. I decided on a short red plaid pleated skirt and an off-shoulder red sweater. I was going for easy access. I look at my phone and notice the time. I told Jax to be home by 7 pm, and we are close to that mark now. I know he’ll be here no matter how nervous he may be.

I pull out the bottle of wine that I placed in the refrigerator. It’s a nice red wine that I figured would go well with dinner. It is human wine, so it won’t do much to me, but it may take some of this edge off. I pop the top and pour myself a glass. I leave the other glass empty for now. I have no idea if Jax even likes wine. It’s one of those small things we still need to learn about the other.

I take a few sips of my wine and turn the oven off. I don’t know what to do with myself while I wait. I don’t want to turn on the TV because I don’t want to get distracted. I thought of playing some music in the background but decided not to. We also need to learn about each other’s taste in music. I glance at the clock to see it’s 7 pm, and the butterflies start to erupt in my stomach. Tonight is the night I experience all of my mate.

~Jax~

I’ve been agonizing all day about tonight, and now it’s here. I have no idea why Shanice wanted us to get together tonight, but I agreed. I’ve been trying to figure out how to avoid this night and avoid the alone time with Shanice. No viable solution came to mind making me realize that I’m screwed.

I make my way to the Alpha office, and Kehlani is there with Kamila. “Hey, Pickles!” I walk over and kiss Kamila on the cheek while she has fun in her playpen.

“Oh, and I take it that I’m invisible….” I sit across from Kehlani.

“Now, Red, don’t be jealous. It isn’t a good look.” Kehlani rolls her eyes and looks at her computer.

“Uh, it’s almost 7. Don’t you have somewhere to be?” I throw my head back and stare at the ceiling. “Hello?! Earth to Jax….”

“I hear you. Yes, I’m supposed to be upstairs in a few minutes. I just thought I’d check on you since I was walking past.” Kehlani rolls her eye. “How would you and Jayden like a night together without any interruptions?” Kehlani’s excitement is unavoidable.

“When can this happen?”

“Tonight, of course.” Kehlani’s face drops, and I sigh.

“You are NOT getting out of this evening. Stop trying to control everything and read Shanice’s mind. Let things happen naturally. I swear, Jax, you’re being stupid.” I know she’s right, but it isn’t what I want to hear right now. I get up and walk over to the playpen. I kneel and hang my hands over the side while watching Kamila play.

She is such a smart little girl, and I hope to get one like her someday. I reach out to Kamila, knowing she won’t hesitate to jump into the. “Wanna come hang out with uncle, Pickles?” Kamila looks at me and shakes her head. She…she told me no?! Kehlani starts to laugh in the background.

“Even Kammi agrees that you need to stop being stupid and go upstairs. I’ve never seen her say no to you, but there’s a first time for everything.” I stand up and place my hand on my heart.

“I’m wounded, Pickles.” A balled-up piece of paper pops me in the head. I turn to look at Kehlani. She’s standing and pointing to the door.

“Go upstairs.” I put my hands up in surrender and take a deep breath.

Hurry up, dumb human! Mate is waiting for us.

I know, but I don’t want to go up there. How am I supposed to keep control if I’m around her like that?

Screw keeping control! Tonight we are mating, period.

You know how I feel about that. Wha-

I DON’T CARE! Either you mate with her, or I will take control and do it myself. I throw the block up and growl in frustration. Why doesn’t anyone understand where I’m coming from? I want my mate, I really do, but there are just some things that need to be dealt with first. Everyone pushes me to ignore these things and go for it with Shanice.

I make it to my floor and walk slowly down the hall. I’m really nervous about what’s going to happen, but I can’t turn back now. I make it to the door and can smell something amazing on the other side. I punch my code in and open the door to be rewarded with an amazing smell. Shanice wasn’t kidding when she said she would cook. I walk in further and find Shanice sitting at the island with a glass of wine in front of her. “You’re late.”