Mated To The Alpha Of The North
Chapter 26

Willow

Everything had started to fade, but then Jax was there, and not for the first time either. It seemed that I was destined to continue being saved by my mate, the one Luna had chosen for me alone.

I knew that I had been on the edge of having a full-blown panic attack before Jax had arrived in the room and scooped me up into his arms. I had zoned everything out in that moment, except the dreadful words that Ronnie had spoken.

I was a bit ashamed to admit that I did not even know Jax was there until he was depositing me gently into his lap, quietly murmuring soothing words in my ear periodically, as he rubbed small circles over my back.

Any inclination I might have had to protest the intimate position immediately fled as soon as his intoxicating scent filled my nostrils. The smell of fresh cut grass and the rich, almost nutty, aroma of coffee subsumed all my senses, my wolf commanding me to get closer to the origin of the scent.

I found it impossible to resist her demand in that moment, and I quickly leaned forward, burying my face against the soft fabric of his shirt.

The warmth radiating from him helped calm my raging thoughts, and I realized that my breathing had slowed to almost normal levels after a few moments had passed like this.

I was stunned to also notice that my hands were clutching the blue fabric of his t-shirt in a near death grip on either side of his strong body. Jax continued to comfort me without complaint while I pulled myself together.

Once I felt that I had composed myself enough, I glanced up into his hazel eyes with what I hoped was a neutral expression, though he appeared to be having a conversation in his mind. I knew I should probably also get off his lap now, but I found that I quite enjoyed sitting right where I was.

I caught a faint whiff of chocolate coming from close by. I stifled a g***n as it made me think about the double chocolate chip muffins that I had made recently for that breakfast, the one for Jax and his sister, actually.

I was kind of happy to know that it had been for them at least. I was not even going to consider the other person who had been there at the moment.

However, I did turn slightly to replace the source of the delicious scent and was surprised to see Ronnie standing a few feet away from the bed, distractedly holding a tray of food. I gazed back up at Jax in wonder. Did he bring me food on his way back in?

I heard Jax saying something to Ronnie aloud, but I was too preoccupied thinking about all the small gestures he had been making to help me recover and feel more comfortable.

The relaxing bubble bath and him constantly making sure I had easy access to nutritious food immediately came to mind. His actions continued to show me that I could trust him, both as my protector and my mate.

My wolf taunted that she had been trying to tell me that from the beginning, but I harshly shoved her to the back of my mind. I did not need her saying I told you so right now.

I broke out of my own thoughts as I noticed Ronnie turning to leave the room. I rushed to sincerely thank her for all of her help since I had returned to the massive house.

Though I still felt uncomfortable within the luxurious walls, her easy acceptance and friendly presence went a long way to making the discomfort more bearable.

Ronnie’s warm reply further added weight to the case I had been building in my head for her to become my best friend.

I had never had one before, never having found anyone I deemed worthy. Before everything went to shit at the beginning of the war, of course, but I think Ronnie’s kind, but mischievous nature was exactly what I needed to bring me out of my shell.

I was surprised to hear Jax entreating Ronnie for her help planning the very ball that Zeke had demanded that I plan just earlier this week. I was touched that Jax did not ask me to help, though his distress regarding the event was near palpable.

I was sure he did not want to burden me with the task after everything that had happened, which I honestly appreciated. It meant a lot that he was willing to put my needs above his own, but the thing was, I actually really did want to help.

I definitely did not want to be in charge of the whole shebang, but I loved the idea of helping create an event that would bring people together for the sole purpose of replaceing their true soulmate.

I thought it was beautiful, and the romantic in me just could not resist, even if it did appear that I had already found my own happily ever after.

I was thankful I managed to convince Jax of as much before Ronnie rushed out of the room, Jax having secured a reluctant promise of help from her as well.

I felt my heart speed up when Jax called me love, but it slowed right back down when I unenthusiastically moved to get off of his lap after he had asked about food. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted that muffin, but I did not want to move from the comfort of his arms.

However, before I could move more than a few inches, Jax’s large hands latched onto my waist, holding me in place and simultaneously pulling me closer to his muscled chest, much to my delight.

I put up a bit of a fight, but ultimately, I caved and remained snug in his lap while he reached over to pull the food closer to us.

I pondered the best way to bring up the topic I had in mind while he situated the tray near us on the bed.

I wanted to be angry at his high-handed action, but if I was being honest with myself, I knew I was right where I wanted to be, and his explanation had driven my wolf insane with l**t.

I was tired of fighting the constant pull I felt towards him, so I allowed myself to melt further into his embrace.

Nevertheless, I felt my ire begin to rise when he endeavored to feed me grapes by hand. I was starting to think the action held some sort of significance, seeing as Zeke had insisted on the same thing.

Jax quickly confirmed this suspicion when my obstinate expression began to appear. I was fully prepared to argue with him; however, his explanation had made sense. I grudgingly had to admit that he had earned the right to provide for me.

I may not have liked being fed like a toddler, but if it helped him keep his wolf under control, I guess I could put up with it.

I kind of liked making Jax happy too. I could also concede that it was not the worst experience in the world, though the bites of gooey chocolate and succulent fruit might have helped change my opinion on the matter.

We continued to talk as he fed me small bites of the breakfast foods, alternating between feeding me and taking small bites himself. I was glad to see that he was taking care of himself too, despite his continuous consideration of my needs.

Nonetheless, I noticed that the dark circles, that I recalled being under his striking eyes earlier, had only appeared to deepen since the last time he was here.

Had he even taken the time to rest while he was busy running himself ragged cleaning up Zeke’s mess?

I continued to be amazed at Jax’s thoughtfulness, yet at this point I should not have been surprised when he asked me how I had felt about staying in the South a little longer. It was an amazing feeling to know that Luna had chosen a mate for me that actually considered my feelings.

Further, I was shocked to learn that Jax was not aware that I had come from the Northern Province, but I guess it really should not have surprised me the more that I thought about it.

He was a well-known alpha. Of course, I would know who he was, and where he came from. Whereas with me, Zeke did his damnedest to keep everything about me a secret.

I was hesitant at first, but with Jax’s gentle encouragement, I was able to ask him for the one thing I genuinely wanted. No, needed, aside from shifting, but I had already secured a promise to do just that later today.

I needed to get out of this house.

It had served as my prison for too long, but when Jax agreed to finally set me free, I found the only place I wanted to run was straight into his arms.