Mates: Jax's Story

Chapter 23

~Shanice~

You heard that, right? Now, what are we going to do?

Would you stop, Lola? I need time to think. This explains so much. Now I understand why nothing has happened between us. I was starting to think that maybe he was just settling with me and truly wanted my sister. I also started to think negatively about the Alphas, that they can’t parent their child, so Jax was always stepping in. Now I know that Jax is just feeling insecure, and it’s my job to help him stop those negative thoughts. I just need to come up with a good plan.

I walk into the dining room after everyone left the sitting room. I school my face to show no emotion or evidence that I heard Jax’s conversation with the others. I don’t know why he didn’t talk to me about it, but I won’t get mad. I just need to get him to understand that his past isn’t important to me. “Hey beautiful.” I kiss Jax on the cheek and sit next to him. I look around the table, smiling at everyone. They look a bit awkward but are trying hard to hide it.

“How is everyone, today?” A slew of answers hit me left and right. I smile and nod while listening to everyone.

“So, Shanice……”

“Yes, Alpha?”

“First, a reminder that it’s just Kehlani, not Alpha. You’re my best friend’s mate so titles are truly unnecessary.” I nod. It’s going to take some time to get used to such an informal interaction. “Second, I was thinking that your ceremony could take place in two weeks. What do you think?” In two weeks, I will officially be a part of this pack? That’s exciting and scary at the same time. Once I join this pack, I will also officially be the Beta female. I never thought I’d hold a ranked position, so it’s all new to me.

“Whoa, two weeks…..I….I’ll be ready.” Melanie smiles at me.

“Don’t be nervous. You have all of us supporting you. We won’t let you fail. Hey, have you heard from your sister?” I sigh and shake my head.

“No, I haven’t seen her in days or heard from her. I don’t know where she is.” Melanie nods and looks thoughtful. I lean into Jax, “we need some quiet time this evening. I will cook for you.” I notice Jax stills a bit and looks slightly flustered. I swallow my smile and turn to the table to participate in the conversation.

~Janice~

My body hurts. Damn, what happened? I move around and am on a soft surface, so that’s a plus. My right up is under my head, and I pull down to move it, only to be met with resistance. I can’t move my arm. I struggle and move around so I can see my arm, and sure enough, I’m tied to the bed frame.

I can feel my panic rise, and I try to replay events in my head. I’m not going to lie, though; I can’t remember much of anything. I remember trying to get to Jax. I remember that brat interrupting me. I remember running into Shanice. I remember drinks at the bar….. The bar! OMG! I saw him at the bar. Phillip was there, and I remember being shocked that he was in the area and knew where to find me.

Bex, my wolf, starts to jump around in my head. She’s shaking and wagging her tail with no end in sight. What has set her off so much? Why is she so excited? It hits me like a ton of bricks. No, it can’t be. I pull and tug at my arm, hoping that I can release myself and get out of here. I look around the room and notice a big window opposite the door. If I could just get free, I could head for that window. I have to get out of here.

I tug and tug, but it doesn’t work. Bex gets more worked up in my mind, and my fear is hitting the roof. The door opens, and the scent of pine and musk hits my nose, causing tears to fall down my face. “So nice to have you back, mate.” I feel the bed dip next to me, and I scoot to the side as far as I can. I don’t want to be here right now; I can’t be. I feel sparks on my shoulder and fight to contain the shutter that wants to travel through my body. “Come on now, baby, don’t act like that. I missed you. I was so happy when Phillip told me that he found you. I couldn’t wait to get you back home.”

“This isn’t my home.”

“Don’t act like that. You know this is where you belong.” I keep my face to the wall, refusing to look at him. “What is it? Is it because I’m not Alpha yet? You know I will be Alpha soon, and I need my Luna by my side.” I still won’t turn around even though his touch drives me crazy. I’m clenching my legs tightly, trying to keep my arousal out of the air, but I’m sure I’m failing.

I feel a strong grip on my chin, and the pain makes me yelp. “Look at me!” He yanks my face to him, and I can feel tears building in my eyes. “I will not continue to play games with you. You are mine! You belong by my side. You will be here when I take over as Alpha, and you will be my Luna. Tonight, you will submit to me, so be prepared.” He lets me go and moves to get off the bed.

“W…wwwait!” He stops but doesn’t turn around. “Wwwwhat…..what if I could give you something better?” He laughs.

“What’s better than my mate?”

“My sister……Shanice.” I close my eyes. I know this is horrible, but I have to save myself. I hear rustling and feel the bed dip again. I slowly open my eyes, and he’s looking at me, those dark brown eyes swirling with lust.

“You are going to give me Shanice? You want your freedom and will give Shanice for it?” I nod slowly, and a smile spreads across his face. “I’ll think about it and get back to you. He pats my cheeks and gets off the bed, leaving the room. I breathe out and close my eyes again. Bex is whimpering in my mind, so I throw a block up and start to weep quietly.