Chapter 2:Renee

My eyes widen in surprise as I take in the man standing in front of me. He is tall and muscular, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal grey suit that accentuates his strong physique. The shirt he is wearing seems to be painted onto his chest, highlighting every muscle and curve. My gaze travels up to his face, and I am met with a sharp jawline, a straight proud nose, and parted lips that reveal a set of perfectly white teeth. But what catches my attention the most are his blazing green eyes, piercing and intense.

 

For a moment, I am frozen in place, unable to move or speak. It's not just his physical appearance that has me captivated, but there is something else, something deeper that I can't quite explain. And then it hits me like a ton of bricks - he is my second chance mate.

 

The realization is like a jolt of electricity, igniting a spark within me that I have never felt before it wasn't even this bad with Alex my first mate. And I knew him most of my life. Even in hiding his time with me I never felt a hint till High school I had no idea of bond. I can feel this bond forming between us, connecting us in a way that I never thought possible, he hasn't even touched me yet. As if he can read my thoughts, he takes a step towards me, I can't help but feel drawn to him, before my brain can get up to speed about what is going on, and against my consent, my body reacts to his presence.

 

"Mate," he growls, his voice low and husky. I can see the desire and possessiveness in his eyes as he looks at me. I've seen it before so it not hard to take notice now. And again, before I can even process what is happening, he is in front of me, his hands on my waist and his lips crashing onto mine in a passionate kiss. My first ever real kiss. Not the pecks Alex would steal when we were hiding form others in the shadows,

 

It feels like my whole body is on fire, and I can't help but respond to his touch. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as our kiss becomes more intense. It's like a whirlwind of emotions, desire, and attraction, all mixed together in this one moment. Is this what the first time should have been?

 

But just as quickly as it started, he pulls away, his breathing heavy and his eyes still locked on mine. "I'm sorry for barging in like that," he says, his voice now softer and more apologetic. "I couldn't control myself when I felt the bond between us."

 

I can't even find the words to respond, still trying to process everything that has happened. But one thing is for sure - this man, my second chance mate, has completely taken me by surprise. And as we stand there, staring into each other's eyes, I can't help but feel like this is just the beginning of something extraordinary. Fuck no its not. I refuse. I push him away.

 

He smiles down at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he untangles himself from our embrace. I can't help but notice the pang of disappointment in my chest as he pulls away, but I quickly push it aside. I am not so grateful for this moment, for this second chance with my mate. They are rare as shit, and I was really hoping it wouldn't happen.

 

He doesn't step away from me though, his warmth still surrounding me as I try to catch my breath. I can't help but breathe in his scent, a mix of sandalwood and musk that is intoxicating. It's like I can feel my body responding to him, my mind going fuzzy and my heart racing.

 

"I guess I should actually introduce myself," he finally speaks, his voice low and smooth. "I'm Jace Night."

 

Holy shit. I know I should say something, introduce myself as well, but his voice alone sends shivers up my spine. I can feel my thighs squeezing together, a reaction I can't control. And it annoys me.

 

"Umm, Renee?" I finally manage to point to myself, almost questioning my own name as I look up at him. He chuckles and leans down, kissing my nose and then my forehead. Is it possible for a kiss on the forehead to feel so good? No, no it doesn't not feel good. Bad, very bad.

 

"Nice to officially meet you, Renee," he says with a smile, his eyes never leaving mine. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

 

I can't help but feel a rush of emotions at his words. I've been waiting for this moment too, even if I didn't realize it until now. It's like everything makes sense now. Well maybe. Fuck no, no it doesn't. I needed a prince to save me back then not now. I can do it myself.

 

 

"Wowza, this is a lot." I say mainly to myself as I look around at the mountains of food I am preparing. But suddenly, I feel a questioning look on me and I turn to see a man standing in the front of me. It takes me a moment to realize that he must be the Alpha of the pack I am currently working for. Fuck, I hope he doesn't cancel payment or do a charge back after tonight I need that money.

 

I clear my throat and gesture around to the food, trying to seem professional. "So, umm, I'm assuming you would be the Alpha who hired me?" I ask, trying to hide my nervousness.

 

He hesitates before answering, "Yes, that would be me."

 

I nod, feeling like a nervous wreck. Another Alpha mate, great. I take a deep breath and continue, "Right. Well, if you're going to reject me too, can we at least wait until I'm done with the food? I kind of need the money." I try to keep my voice steady, but I can feel my heart beating in my chest as I wait for his response. Because let's get real, there is no possible way this could work, and I don't want it to work. Yea he acts like he wants me now. Alex did the same shit knowing I couldn't feel the mate bond. He wants me but only for what he thinks I can give him with my body.

 

But instead of rejecting me, he surprises me by wrapping his arms around my waist, lifting me up and setting me on the counter. I can feel my cheeks flush as he says, "Fuck that, you're mine, little one." And then he kisses me, and it's like fireworks are going off in my head.