The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
Chapter 137
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“You’ve seen her race?” Orion’s voice rose slightly. “And you didn’t think to mention this to me?” I can’t imagine how he’d react if he found out Sarah was aware too, but that’s if he finds out.
“That wasn’t my place,” Tristan replied firmly. “This is Athena’s choice to make and her news to share.‘
I looked at him gratefully, touched that he was standing up for me even when it meant facing Orion’s anger.
“But,” Tristan continued, “I do think there are ways to make it safer. I could train her more, teach her advanced techniques, make sure she has the best
protective gear.
“You want to train her?” Orion looked between us like we’d both lost our minds.
“I want to make sure she doesn’t get hurt,” Tristan said simply. “And the best way to do that is to make sure she’s as prepared as possible. Orion trusted
Tristan, even more than he trusted me and am sure he’d give in immediately, and he did.
He remained quiet for a long moment, clearly struggling with the information. But he finally sat back down and looked directly at me.
“Can I talk to you alone for a minute?” I nodded, and Tristan quietly excused himself to the kitchen.‘”
“Why?” Orion asked once we were alone. “Why are you doing this, Ath? This isn’t like you.”
I thought about how to explain it, how to make him understand something I was still figuring out myself.
“It’s the only way I’ve found that makes me feel like I’m in control of my life,” I said finally.
*For so long, other people have been making decisions for me, telling me what I should do, how I should feel, who I should be. Racing is something that’s completely mine. When I’m on that bike, I’m making every choice. I’m the one in control, I’m Athena.”
Orion’s expression softened as he listened.
‘I know you love and want to protect me, and I love you both for it. But I need to make my own choices, even if they scare you. I need to prove to myself
that I’m strong enough to handle my own life.”
‘You’ve always been strong, Athena. You don’t need to prove that
risking your life.”
‘But I need to prove it to myself,” I insisted. ‘Please try to understand.”
He was quiet again, studying my face like he was trying to read my thoughts.
“If I agree to this,‘ he said finally, “you have to promise you’ll be careful. And you have to let Tristan train you properly.”
Relief flooded through me. “I promise. I’ll be
as careful
can
be while still actually racing.”
“And no more secrets. If something happens, if you get hurt
or scared or anything, you call me immediately.”
I promise,” I repeated, meaning it completely.
He pulled me into another hug, this one gentler than before. “I love you, you know that? Even when you’re giving me gray hair.”
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15:19 Sat, Jan 10 G
Chapter 137
‘I love you too, I said, squeezing him tightly.
I need to talk to Tristan now,” he said, releasing me, ‘Why don’t you go find Sarah? I’m sure she’s dying to know what’s going on.” Of course she’s during
I found Sarah in the kitchen, pretending to organize the already perfectly organized spice rack.
He didn’t take it the way I expected, they re learning and growing‘ she said the moment I walked in, as she pulled me to herself for a fight hug And I’m guessing Tristan finally decided to stop being a coward about his feelings?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Is it that obvious?”
‘Honey, I’ve known that man for years. The fact that he’s suddenly taking your side against Orion tells me everything I need to know.”
I sank onto one of the kitchen stools, suddenly feeling exhausted. I’m confused, Sarah.”
“About what?”
‘About everything. I can feel the bond between us, I’ve felt it for a while now. But how am I supposed to just forget everything he put me through? How do I just jump into his arms because of a bond he’s just letting himself feel, and pretend like he didn’t break my heart over and over again?”
“How do you feel about him? Not the bond, not the history, not what you think you should feel. How do you actually feel?” She asked taking my hands with
hers.
I thought about it seriously. “I feel drawn to him in ways I can’t explain. When he touches me, I feel like I’m whole. When he’s not around, I feel like something’s missing. But I’m also angry with him for taking so long to figure it out, and scared that he’ll change his mind again.”
“Those are all valid feelings,” Sarah said gently. “And you know what? You don’t have to decide anything right now. The bond isn’t going anywhere, and neither is Tristan if his feelings are genuine.”
“But what if I’m just being stubborn? What if I’m making this harder than it needs to be?”
“Athena, listen to me.” Sarah moved closer, her voice becoming more serious. “Your happiness is what’s important here. Yes, fighting a mate bond is difficult, but it’s not impossible. You have a choice in this, no matter what anyone else says.”
She paused, seeming to choose her words carefully.
“That said, I think you should give Tristan the benefit of the doubt. I’ve seen how miserable he’s been without you, and I’ve seen how determined he is to make this right. I love how he’s still giving you the right to choose and not forcing anything on you, I don’t think he’s going to mess this up again.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because he knows what he’s risking now. He knows that if he hurts you again, he’ll lose you forever. And more than that, he knows what he wants. It jus took him a while to get there.‘
I hugged her impulsively. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
‘That’s what family is for,” she said, hugging me back.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
