Page 27 of The Alpha's Second Chance Mate

“Sounds like no harm, no foul, then,” I said.

“Oh, there was definitely some harm,” Avery said, but reached over and patted Ashton’s arm. “But no foul.”

I wondered what the real story was there, and if it had something to do with the bruise on Avery’s face and Ashton’s black eye. Just what kind of asshole had Avery dated? My wolf gave a low, angry growl at the thought of another man laying hands on my mate and my child. I cleared my throat to hide the snarl coming from my throat.

“It sounds like you’re getting really close to your first shift,” I said to Ashton. “The aggression and moodiness peak right before it happens.”

“Steaks are served.” Trent came back inside, holding a tray of cooked filets. “I did them all medium-rare because if you like them cooked more than that, you can get the hell out.”

A lump formed in my stomach, and my head snapped around. What if Avery and Ashton preferred their steaks well-done? Thankfully, Avery said, “Exactly how we like it.”

Trent plated the steaks and potatoes while I dished salad into bowls.

“Can we help with anything?” Avery asked.

“No way. You guys are my guests,” I said. “Go ahead and have a seat.”

Fifteen minutes later, we were all sitting around the table eating. The conversation flowed smoothly, and I was glad I’d asked Trent to be here. Out of all of us, he had the least baggage and told jokes or went off on tangents about some of our old high-school antics.

Ashton was very interested to hear about when Avery and I dated. A few times, she glanced over at me during one of Trent’s stories, an embarrassed smile playing on her lips.

“So, Ashton,” I said. “How’d you feel about meeting some of the people in the pack soon? Would you like that?”

“Maybe, yeah,” he said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “I guess I should, right?”

“Since you’re getting close to your first shift, the timing couldn’t be better. I’m here, and I can really help you through it. I’ve been through what you’ve been through.”

I glanced at Avery, and before I could stop myself, I said, “What do you say, Avery? Can Ashton and I get together and do some wolfy shit?”

“Wolfy shit” was the word she’d always used when I went on pack runs, or had to do some alpha training with my father or handle other pack business with him. I’d hoped to tease a grin out of her by using it. But as soon as I said it, the faint smile on her lips vanished, a look of heartbreaking sadness replacing it.

My wolf whined. Fuck, I’d screwed up yet again.

I cleared my throat. “Avery, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have?—”

“It’s fine, Cole. If Ashton’s okay with it, I’m okay with it.”

The tone of her voice wasn’t jovial or relaxed. My words had hit a hurt that was still fresh and tender. Trent and Ashton went quiet then, and the rest of dinner went by more or less in silence.

Once we’d finished the meal, Avery got up, waving at Ashton to follow.

“Thanks for having us, Cole,” she said. “It was really great, but we need to get going.”

“Already?” I said, my wolf and I desperate to get them to stay a little longer. My wolf gave a little whine that echoed through my skull. “Well, when can Ashton and I get together?”

“You can text Mom,” Ashton said, chiming in for the first time in five minutes.

Avery looked irritated at that, but nodded. “Yeah. Text me what would be a good time, and we can set it up. Trent, It was really good to see you again,” she said, looking back at my best friend.

“Yup,” he said, raising a hand to wave goodbye. “Good to see you, too.”

With barely a backward glance, Avery headed out the front door. Ashton followed, but stopped before closing it behind him.

“Thanks for dinner, Cole. It was really good. Uh, I guess I’ll see you later?”

“Count on it, buddy. I can’t wait.”

He nodded and smiled before closing the door. Once they were gone, I dropped down into the chair next to Trent.

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