Mates: Jax's Story

Chapter 15

~Jax~

The ball is entirely in my court, and I’m a competitive ass! Translation: I plan on playing the hell out of my possession. Thankfully, I dabble in many things, with cooking being one. I know I can wow her with my skills and get closer to her at the same time.

We make it to my floor, and I let her into my apartment. I have to say; it isn’t much to look at. I always figured when I found my someone, we could decorate together. I have the essential furniture, but my walls are sparse. There’s the basic paint that runs throughout this packhouse; nothing that makes this room original to me. “I know, I know. I’ve just been waiting on my mate to save me from my basicness.” A smile tugs on the corners of her mouth. I’m getting there.

I lead Shanice into the kitchen and sit her at the island. I had a specific request that an island be put in my kitchen. Since I do cook, unlike Kehlani, I knew I would require space to move around. The funny thing is that prior to my bestie being born, I rarely used this kitchen. I would cook in the main kitchen, or I would hardly be here. That child has seriously domesticated me. I guess she was preparing me for Shanice. “So while I cook, let’s play twenty questions. There is just one rule though…..”

“What’s the rule?”

“No basic ass questions! We have our entire lives to find out favorite colors and foods. Let’s get down to the deep stuff.” I watch her, waiting for her response. This could go either way. After a few moments, Shanice nods in agreement. I turn and start to get my ingredients out for my specialty: pizza. “I guess I’ll start. Let’s see here…..oh, I got it. What philosophy do you live by?”

“Wow, you were serious when you said no basic questions, huh?” I glance at her and smile before continuing my task. “I’d say, treat others how you want to be treated.” I nod. Not a bad one at all. That means she’s purposeful in how she deals with others. I like that. “What’s yours?”

“Ah, that’s easy. Think for yourself, not by yourself.” I look up, and Shanice is wide-eyed. I like that too. Whatever preconceived notions she had about me are being shattered. Shanice puts her elbows on the island and places her head in her hands.

“Explain.”

“Well, it’s like this……being a follower is not a good thing. You need to be able to form your own opinions, you know, think for yourself. Never take someone’s word at face value because people will lie, especially to get what they want. At the same time, you have to recognize what others can bring you and use that. I mean, not use them, but look, I’m a Beta, and I have to rely on others because I don’t know everything. Does that make sense?” I look and notice that Shanice is looking away from me. “Uh, is everything okay?”

You upset mate, dumbass!

Shut up, mutt. We have no idea why she’s emotional.

I do! It’s your fault! I quickly put a block up. I don’t have time to deal with him right now.

“I’m okay…I’m just feeling guilty.”

~Shanice~

Well, s**t, that turned quickly. Who knew that answering his first question would have me feeling s**ty? I’m totally guilty of not thinking for myself. I let my sister tell me what she did without asking myself. Jax’s behavior is not of a man who has taken a chosen mate. He acts like a man excited to find his fated mate, yet I let Janice’s words swim in my head without getting clarification.

“What do you feel guilty about?” I sigh. I guess now is as good a time as any.

“I knew you were my mate when I saw you in the Alpha’s office that day. I…..I didn’t say anything because once you left, Janice told me that we came here for you.” Jax’s hands still as he listens to me. “She told me that you asked her to come here and you are going to take her as your chosen. Since we’ve been here, she keeps talking about getting me settled so she can move into the packhosue and become the Beta female. I went with what she said without asking you if that were true, and that’s where the guilt comes from. It’s why I’ve been avoiding you.” Jax nods as if he knew this was coming.

“So, do you want to ask me something? This won’t count as one of our questions.” A small smile graces his face, and it grows bigger when I start to smile at his remark. I take a deep breath and let it out.

“Is there something going on with my sister?” I slightly cringe because this could be the end of something before it even starts. I’m scared of the answer. I feel sparks on my arm and look up. Jax is rubbing my arm, and my nervousness is melting away.

“I will be honest with you. A few years ago, well, I was considered a man w***e. I slept around with many women. I didn’t do relationships, and I let every woman know it was just for fun. Well, I was out of town on business once, and I met your sister. We hookedup and I would seek her out whenever I was out that way. I didn’t necessarily sleep with strange women often; I just had some that I would see when I was in their area. Anyways, some stuff happened here that changed everyone, and then Kamila was born. I just kind of stopped f**king around and grew up. I hadn’t seen your sister in years before you two showed up, and I definitely hadn’t talked to her. I didn’t ask her to come here, and I didn’t ask her to be my mate. I’ve only ever wanted my fated mate.” I can’t keep the smile off of my face. My sister lied, and I should be surprised. They have nothing, which is why I never smelled Jax on her. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?” Jax drops his head.

“I’m sorry that you are getting used goods. I’m sorry that I was with others before you and that includes your sister.” I grab his hand and use my thumb to rub across it.

“We aren’t just wolves; we are human as well. Humans get needs just like we do. I’m not mad at you. I never expected my mate to be a virgin, and, honestly, I’m not one either. As far as my sister goes, you didn’t know. Hell, we didn’t even know each other existed, so why would I be mad about that. From what I know so far, you are exactly what I need in my life, and I can’t wait to learn more.”