Chapter 6

~Jayden~

The ride home was uncomfortable, to say the least. I know that Issac could tell something was up, but he hasn’t said anything, and I have no intention of telling on myself. We arrive at the packhouse and walk inside. Just as I'm about to go to my room, Issac clears his throat to get my attention. I turn to look at Issac, and he says: “How about we talk in my office.” I'm suspicious, but I follow him anyway. Autumn is already there when we walk in, as if she is waiting for us. Autumn is Issac’s mate and the Luna here. They had known each other their whole lives, so no one was surprised when they realized they were fated. Now I'm really suspicious, but I refuse to tell on myself.

“Come sit,” Autumn says as she pats the couch beside her. “How was the meeting….anything interesting happen?” Now it's clear to me. Issac must have informed Autumn even though Issac doesn’t really know what happened. Issac had already made his way to the couch opposite us and was waiting for a reply, the same as Autumn.

“Uh...why are you two looking at me like that? It was a productive meeting.” I'm looking everywhere I can, just not at them. Issac broke the silence first.

“Look, you are my best friend and I only want what is best for you. That being said…..what are you going to do about your mate?” Now how in the hell did he know that?? I didn’t claim her or identify her in any way.

I turned to Issac with my eyebrow raised, “ what are you talking about?”

“Oh, stop it. I knew who she was from the moment you walked into the room. Do you not know the look you had when you saw her? The only time I have ever seen you look like that was with….well…..you know who…….” We had tried not to speak her name this entire time. Why bring up such a painful topic, especially since I was able to put it behind me? I sat on the couch with my elbows on my knees and hung my head down.

“It won’t work. There is no point in getting things started,” I said quietly. Autumn rubbed her hand on my back in circular motions.

“You are such an amazing man, you know that? You went through some pain, but you came out the other side stronger than before. You are dedicated to this pack and you are such a wonderful father. My godbaby is so smart and so happy. I want you to be just as happy. Why can’t you give yourself a chance to love again?” I looked into Autumn’s blue eyes but was too choked up to answer.

“Autumn only said what we both, and many others, think. It's true, man, trust me,” Issac stated while patting me on my shoulder.

“She is an Alpha. What the hell could a Beta like me give to her? And what about Brooklyn? Why would she want someone who already has a child?”

“Give her more credit than that. You have to give her the chance to know you...both of you. Once she sees what we see, she couldn’t possibly say no,” Issac replied. I pat Autumn on the knee and rise to my feet.

“I appreciate you both, and I know you mean well. I just don’t think this is going to work. I have already been rejected once, and she wasn’t even an Alpha. How can I have hope with Kehlani?” With that, I turned and walked out of the office. I have a night to myself, and I think it's best to wallow in my room alone.

*************************************************************************************************************

It has been two days since I came across my second chance mate. Two days of thinking about her, her eyes staring into mine, her lips…. Those same lips pressed against mine while her hands wrapped around the back of my head. Better yet, those same lips wrapped around my thick, throbbing…..

“Did you hear me daddy?” Brooklyn is always able to break through when I'm deep in thought. I clear my throat before answering.

“What were you saying, love?”

“I was telling you about the fish tank that Stacy has. It's so cool and has so many fish in it. Can I get a fish tank too?” Brooklyn asked.

“Well I don’t know love. Having a fish tank is a big responsibility that we would have to make sure you are ready for. You know, in order to maintain a fish tank….” I was interrupted by a mindlink.

Beta? Who could this be during breakfast time? Everyone knows that mealtimes are for Brooklyn, and I am not to be disturbed.

What is it?

Uh….sir….there is someone at the front door.

Ok...so why are you telling me??

Well….they said they will only talk to you.

Who the hell could this be? I mindlinked Laura to sit with Brooklyn, and I make my way downstairs to the front door. I didn’t bother to get dressed since I'm being disturbed during my downtime. I'm still wearing my grey sweatpants and my white t-shirt. I get to the door and pull it open to see a figure standing there wearing a grey hoodie with skinny black jeans. When they look up into my eyes, I know exactly who it is…… Kehlani!