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Chapter 16 - Alex
Last Updated:
2025-01-09 19:16:06
BryantThrough all the massive changes in their lives, one thing remains true. Aurelia will always have Alex’s back as his best friend.
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Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 17 - Holly
I had a love/hate relationship with my cousin. Sometimes, talking to him would make everything seem better. Like how after our phone call, I found myself feeling more at ease, the weight of my stress lifting slightly. Then there were times when he butted his nose too far into my business. When my phone rang not long after my call with Clarence, my instincts whispered that this call had something to do with my cousin. When I glanced at the screen and saw Logan’s name flashing, a knot tightened in my stomach. I reluctantly answered with a resigned sigh and a frown etching my brow. “Good morning, Alpha Logan. I apologize for not stopping by yesterday. I was busy with travel and dealing with the legal matters regarding Ali...” I began but was quickly interrupted. “I didn’t call for your apologies. I wasn’t worried about it. That was Finn and Clarence. Patrol reported seeing you cross into the territory, and of course, Alison mentioned that she saw you,” Logan replied. “Okay. So, w
Last Updated : 2025-01-10Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 18 - Alex
It had felt like telling Aurelia took a weight off my shoulders. For so many years, I had kept this huge secret from her. I had been too afraid to tell Aurelia the truth. I had feared she would want to push me to pursue Holly when I wasn’t ready. I had worried my best friend wouldn’t think I was worthy of Holly and would encourage me to give up. None of my fears were founded. Aurelia supported me no matter what the outcome was. She hadn’t told me it was pointless to seize that opportunity to pursue Holly. She had even helped orchestrate a way for me to get time alone with Holly. Most of the kids were present when I arrived at Christian Ranch. William and Mikali had kept the nine kids already there together and entertained with horse trivia. Aurelia had been pacing just a few feet from the group on her phone. I hadn’t dared to guess what was happening on her phone. She was a freaking Luna of a werewolf pack; there could have been a million answers to that question. As Tristan’s boots
Last Updated : 2025-01-11Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 19 - Holly
It had been surreal to see all the kids. When I left Bloodmoon, only Gabriel, Xavier, and Royce had been alive. I had known of the other children but had never met them before. I was glad that the kids welcomed Samuel. As worried as I had been about Samuel being without me, I was even more concerned about being alone with Alex. I had never officially rejected anyone. I had turned down guys in the past because they weren’t my mate, but this situation felt different. ‘Don’t do this, Holly,’ Kira implored, her voice thick with concern as Alex guided me gently down the winding trail surrounded by towering trees. ‘If you reject Alex, you’re going to lose me too. You might think I’m still here because of Samuel, but that reasoning doesn’t hold up. We didn’t even know you were pregnant then. Besides, the reality is that when one mate survives the death of the other, it’s typically because their wolf has sacrificed itself, allowing the human to raise the young. Think about what happened with
Last Updated : 2025-01-13Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 20 - Alex
From the beginning, a sense of foreboding sat like a brick in my stomach. I had anticipated this moment, feeling it pulse just beneath the surface of our interactions. Deep down, I understood that Holly would likely want to push me away. That had always held me back, driving my hesitation to pursue her in the past. I had been acutely aware that any advance I made had to come only when she felt truly ready. When she returned, I dared to believe it was a sign from the Goddess, a divine nudge suggesting that the time had finally come. I thought that Holly, in her own way, would be ready for what I longed to offer. Despite my certainty that winning her acceptance would be a formidable challenge, I clung to the hope that she would at least allow me the opportunity to prove myself. I had been wrong. Holly hadn’t been ready to accept me or anyone. She had even fought her wolf about this. I hadn’t wanted to be the cause of conflict between Holly and her wolf. I had learned a lot in the last
Last Updated : 2025-01-14Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 21 - Holly
I blamed Kira. It was her fault I was in that mess. I hadn’t wanted to know what would’ve been worth the risk if that peck on my lips hadn’t been. Yet, my wolf wouldn’t let it go. She wanted to push the mate bond to break me. Alex needed to understand that I wasn’t the right woman for him. He said all the right things, acknowledging my love for Nigel and that he couldn’t replace him. He wanted a chance to earn my trust and love, but it felt like asking for the moon to me. I wanted to explain why I was not suitable for him. I could never give him children, which might matter to him eventually. Nigel had been exceptional, standing by me through my fertility issues and always insisting that his life was complete with me. I wasn’t sure if Alex would feel the same. He needed to know all the facts. I didn’t get a chance to tell him before I was pulled tight against him, and his lips found mine. Yesterday’s kiss barely counted by anyone’s standards, but this kiss was a kiss. Alex hadn’t t
Last Updated : 2025-01-15Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 22 - Alex
Oh, look, my mantra has returned. Stupid. Stupid. STUPID! I felt the heat of frustration rising within me. How could I be so incredibly foolish? Just moments ago, everything had unfolded perfectly. Holly was cradled in my arms, her warmth radiating against me. I could still feel the thrill of our lips meeting in a passionate first kiss, a moment that felt electric and full of promise. Then, in an instant, my stupid mouth fucked it all up, revealing my secret in a careless slip. Now, I found myself sprawled on the ground; the breath knocked from my lungs, the impact of her unexpected reaction still echoing in my chest. I watched, helpless, as Holly stormed out, her expression a mixture of hurt and anger etched on her face. It pained me to see her retreat for the second time in less than twenty-four hours. I couldn’t help but wonder—was that a record for such swift heartbreak? I knew she’d be upset that I’d known all along, unlike her. I had wanted to tell her the truth. However, I
Last Updated : 2025-01-16Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 23 - Holly
Kira had howled her displeasure the further we got from the ranch or, more importantly, from Alex. She was a wolf. Kira didn’t get it. She couldn’t seem to understand how I felt. The selfish bitch had only thought about herself and how she wanted a new mate. I know ‘pot calling the kettle black.’ I was also selfish because I had refused to think about what having a second chance mate could mean to anyone beyond myself. It would have offered Kira comfort and renewed strength, which had diminished when Nigel and Leo died. Then there’s Samuel and Tristan to think of. Both boys have been raised missing a parent, and if I were to accept Alex, we’d be giving the boys the parent they are missing. Even if Alex says he doesn’t want to replace Nigel, I’m terrified of him replacing Nigel with Samuel. Samuel only knows Nigel through stories. It broke my heart to think of a future where Samuel would forget Nigel was his father and refer to Alex as his dad, which brings me back to being a selfish
Last Updated : 2025-01-17Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 24 - Alex
I had been thrown from horses plenty of times throughout my life—an occupational hazard that came with working on a ranch. However, this time, it wasn’t me who was in danger; it was Samuel. In a split second of instinct and determination, I leaped off Cyrus to shield Samuel from the impending fall. Although Samuel was a werewolf, I knew he was just as vulnerable as any human child until he reached the age to awaken his wolf. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, especially considering my already precarious relationship with Holly. If her son had sustained serious injuries while I was supposed to be keeping him safe, I knew my chances of ever winning her trust—or her heart—would vanish in an instant. I wouldn’t have blamed her for being furious. After all, Samuel was her number one priority, just as Tristan was mine. Any parent in her position would have felt justified in being outraged with someone who allowed their child to get hurt. That said, Holly wasn’t
Last Updated : 2025-01-18
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Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 32 - Alex
Holly HUGGED me. Holly hugged ME! Not only that, but she also apologized to me for what she said in a nightmare. We had been having the same nightmare all week from different perspectives. It made sense now why the room was unfamiliar, yet the dress was. For her, she was reliving her final moments in her home with Nigel, trying to capture a moment that never could be. Meanwhile, for me, it was a fantasy of being able to kiss and touch her till she freaked out, and it became all my insecurities thrown at me. As much as I’d have loved to stay on the sofa with Holly in my arms, we had more important matters. We couldn’t leave Samuel alone in a hotel room. I didn’t care how mature he was; it wasn’t safe and certainly not legal for him to be alone like that. This wasn’t as simple as she went downstairs or to a vending machine on their floor. Kira had more than left the Hotel property to see me. As flattering as it may be that Holly’s wolf wants me, I need Holly to want me and not at the r
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 31 - Holly
I let Alex guide me, my heart pounding in anticipation as the heat built between us. But then doubt crept in, and I froze, digging my heels into the floor. The air grew heavy with confusion and pain. I stepped back, my back hitting the vanity, breath hitching as the truth unraveled. When I looked up, it wasn’t Nigel’s face I saw, but Alex’s. My heart lurched. How had I let myself believe it was Nigel, conjuring the man I’d lost instead of facing the one before me? Alex’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. “Holly… what’s wrong? I thought… you told me to ravage you, but now…” His voice was careful, uncertain, as if afraid to break the fragile connection between us. “No. No, I told Nigel. You’re not Nigel.” I shook my head violently. My hand flew to my mouth, the weight of the words crushing me. My knees threatened to give out as I looked at him, his face no longer the comfort it had been just moments ago. My voice rose, trembling with emotion I couldn’t control. “You’re not Nigel.
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 30 - Alex
Holly sat at the vanity, her back to me, and I couldn’t look away. The intricate lace of her dress hugged her shoulders, drawing my gaze to her curves. As she adjusted her hair, her movements were graceful and mesmerizing.When she finally turned, the dress flowed elegantly above her knees, the neckline dipping just enough to quicken my pulse. Her rich brown hair, swept into a stunning braid and bun, framed her face, making her blue-gray eyes shine.She caught me staring, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. The way her dress shimmered in the light made everything else in the room fade away. Holly wasn’t just beautiful; she was breathtaking.Holly caught me by my tie with a smirk and tugged me to her. I knew it was an open invitation. I would’ve been a fool to decline such an invitation. I closed the distance, capturing her lips. Kissing Holly was heaven. Her breath hitched, and I swallowed her gasp as the kiss deepened, my arm wrapping around her to press her body into mine. We fit toge
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 29 - Holly
I sat at my vanity, applying the final touches to my makeup, fully aware of Nigel leaning in the doorway, watching me. His gaze was warm, reverent even, and I could feel his love like a physical thing in the air between us. He’s always looked at me that way, like I’m the most beautiful woman alive, even though I’ve never seen myself that way.Growing up as a tomboy running wild through the Adirondack mountains with the Ironfur heirs didn’t leave much room for vanity. Nigel knew that. He tells me I’m beautiful every chance he gets and insists that I’m sexy, too. I always call him a liar, but I know the blush on my cheeks and the soft smile I can’t suppress each time gives me away.He’s stayed by my side through everything, even when I told him he didn’t have to. Eight years of trying and failing to bring a pup to term. I told him once I’d understand if he wanted to leave me, to find someone who could give him what I couldn’t. He refused.“I don’t care if we ever have a pup. You’re all
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 28 - Alex
I really put myself out there, didn’t I? I told Holly everything—the whole story laid out, no secrets. Now, it was just a waiting game to see how she’d respond. She hadn’t said no and wouldn’t return to Ironfur directly after the memorial service. The fact that she was even considering going on a date with me felt like a win in my book. When I offered to drive her to pick up her rental car, she didn’t hesitate. She was all for exchanging numbers, too—something the boys had already sorted out among themselves. I was glad they got along so well. I didn’t want to manipulate anything between them, but having Samuel on my side could definitely help me win Holly over. If I ever had doubts about being with her, the way Tristan already cared about her made me stop and think. The day after everything happened at the ranch, Holly faced the memorial for Davis and Loretta in Bloodmoon. I wanted to be there for her, but I figured respecting her need for space would be better. I was comforted know
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 27 - Holly
Our conversation flowed so easily. It only hurt a little when I thought about Nigel. I could look back at how he got jealous when Finn wrapped me up in a big hug without a care in the world the day I brought Nigel to meet everyone with humor and nostalgia instead of heartache and longing. It was adorable when Nigel got all growly and demanded Finn stop manhandling his mate. He felt stupid for getting jealous, especially after I put Finn in his place. Then Alex had to go and focus the conversation on what I was avoiding… us. Even Kira found his question difficult to answer. Obviously, we knew he was weaker, but it was not his fault. He was human, while I was a werewolf. We’re naturally on different strength levels. He’s stronger than he was when I left. I didn’t need to spare to know that. I’m a combat instructor. I can tell by looking at someone and if they’ve improved. Being weaker than me doesn’t make him unattractive. But how to word that? ‘If you ask me…’ Kira began, her voice ca
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 26 - Alex
Holly’s laughter, a vibrant sound that seemed to dance in the air, was the sweetest music I had ever heard. Even though she tried to stifle it behind her hand, the joy in her eyes sparkled brighter than any note could convey. I was acutely aware that beneath this light-hearted moment loomed the weight of the serious conversations we still needed to have. I couldn’t predict how long her cheerful spirit would last, so I mentally tucked this precious memory away like a treasured keepsake. I knew our talk would turn heavy, perhaps leading her to walk away again. If that happened, I wanted to reach back into my mind’s archive and find comfort in replaying the sound of her laughter. “The twins would argue that if they were going to get their asses kicked, the charity should be for the arts,” Holly quipped, shaking her head as her laughter gradually waned, leaving behind a warm afterglow. “Fair point,” I replied, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “As long as the proceeds contrib
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 25 - Holly
I had always worried about my son Samuel’s health and safety. He was my miracle baby, a bright light after the darkness of loss and grief in my past. With every breath, I feared losing him, haunted by memories of my previous pregnancies that ended too soon. Though Samuel had been healthy since birth, that didn’t ease my fear of something happening to him. Given my history, you can imagine the whirlwind of panic that erupted within me when David said Samuel had been hurt. My mind flickered to Alex, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside; delving into that worry felt too much. Instead, I fixated on the dread of my child suffering, my heart racing with every thought. Rationally, I knew he would be okay. Mikali was there. Even if he hadn’t been a healer by gift, he was a doctor. If I had proved anything in the last twenty-four hours, it was that I was an emotional train wreck. Rational thought hadn’t gotten through. I tried reaching out to Samuel through our family link, but I wasn’t
Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 24 - Alex
I had been thrown from horses plenty of times throughout my life—an occupational hazard that came with working on a ranch. However, this time, it wasn’t me who was in danger; it was Samuel. In a split second of instinct and determination, I leaped off Cyrus to shield Samuel from the impending fall. Although Samuel was a werewolf, I knew he was just as vulnerable as any human child until he reached the age to awaken his wolf. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on my shoulders, especially considering my already precarious relationship with Holly. If her son had sustained serious injuries while I was supposed to be keeping him safe, I knew my chances of ever winning her trust—or her heart—would vanish in an instant. I wouldn’t have blamed her for being furious. After all, Samuel was her number one priority, just as Tristan was mine. Any parent in her position would have felt justified in being outraged with someone who allowed their child to get hurt. That said, Holly wasn’t
