All Chapters of Second Chance Revenge : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Laura POVThe sun continues to dip in and out of the clouds as I perch on the patio steps. I prepare myself for rain, not that I’d mind. My eyes close as I wrap my arms around my knees and inhale the fresh air.Last night was the best night's sleep I’ve had since being here. It wasn’t great, but better than usual. Ever since the incident in Maxwell’s office, I’ve been keeping to myself. I’m still mortified over waking the entire house.The back door creaks open, and I glance over my shoulder to find Maxwell. He’s in a black T-shirt that stretches over his broad chest and thick arms. “Hey,” he greets. “May I sit with you?”I stare at the spot beside me, and I brush my teeth across my lip. “Uh. Okay.”Maxwell nods and perches on the other end of the step. Enough space between us that I don’t have to count my breaths. “How are you today?”I shrug and look at the grass. “I’m okay, I think.”We fall into silence as I clutch my legs closer to my chest. Maxwell happily sits beside me. I don

Laura POVWhen some of the pack entered the house a few hours later, I timidly loiter by the stairs. My eyes focus on Ava as she talks with Phia. I remember her from my day in the rain. Ava spots me from across the hallway and approaches.“Hey, Laura,” she says warmly. “How are you?”“I’m okay,” I admit.Ava’s smile is warm and makes my bones relax. “I’m just about to make some lunch in Maxwell’s private kitchen. Would you like to join me?”My head nods before I register. “Yes, please.”Her expression lights up, and I can tell she’s trying her hardest not to overreact. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to her one-on-one. I think about what Gemma said, and this is progress, even if it seems tiny to some.I follow her into the empty kitchen. I’m relieved Maxwell has private areas for his family. “Remind me to tidy up after lunch,” Ava murmurs. “Bash was almost banned from coming in here this morning.”“Why?”Ava glances at me. “Because Maxwell cannot stand the mess. He likes everyt

Maxwell POVLaura’s mouth opens and then shuts. I frown as she reserves herself and steps away, turning her back on me to leave the kitchen.“Did you want to ask me something?”Her shoulders tense for a moment before she glances at me. “I have a thousand questions,” she whispers. “But I’m not sure I’m ready for the answers.”My forehead pinches at her statement. “I don’t want you worrying about being here. If you have concerns or questions, I want you to be able to ask them.”Laura glances over my body. “I guess you should shower first.”“Sorry, do I smell?” I say playfully.Her nose twitches. “A little. Yeah.”A deep laugh rumbles from my chest, catching both of us by surprise. Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn’t look frightened. “I’ll go shower, and then I’ll meet you in the living room?”“Sure.”I’m gone for no longer than fifteen minutes. Laura is sitting on the sofa in my segregated lounge. Here, we have all the places to ask her questions.I perch on the other end of the

Laura POVThe air tastes so fresh. That might sound like a silly thing to say, but it does. I lift my heap towards the sky and take down a large inhale of oxygen. The cold water of the lake laps around my ankles, and the gentle breeze brushes my skin. This is true freedom. It’s like experiencing nature for the first time.Maxwell walks ahead of me in the lake. I try not to stare at his impressive back muscles, but I can’t help my eyes instinctively gravitate towards him. Before he can get past his knees, he turns back to me.Those blue eyes sparkle with calmness, despite being splashed seconds ago. I don’t know what came over me; it felt like a natural reaction. It certainly released a burst of amusement through my veins. I can’t remember the last time I laughed. The sound was alien, but it felt good, it federating.He holds out his hand gently, flashing his palm. “Come with me,” he says. “You’ll warm up once you’re in.”I chew on my lip as I focus on the callouses across his finger

Maxwell POVSince our trip to the lake a few days ago, the pack house has been fairly quiet, which is a relief as I’ve wanted to stay home and spend time with Laura. She’s been making herself known at breakfast and dinner in my private kitchen, even helping Ava out with a few things to keep herself busy.I don’t want to put all my faith in the bond because I want to give Laura all the credit for how hard she’s been trying to settle, despite this not being her true home, but I know the bond between us is helping her realize she can learn to trust me. I want nothing more than for it to be authentic, but I can’t physically slow the bond. It’s inevitable.That’s why I’m making sure she knows exactly what the bond is doing between us because I want to be honest. The ball is always in her court; I’ve made that clear from the start.Laura is currently in the living room reading a book with a hot chocolate and a blanket. I decide to leave her to it, to give her some time alone if that’s wha