Page 24 of Single Mom’s Navy Seals (Claimed by the Alphas #2)

JAX

I ’ve been standing in the kitchen for longer than I care to admit, staring blankly at the coffee dripping into the pot.

Steam curls upward, filling the quiet kitchen with the comforting aroma of caffeine.

My eyes burn from exhaustion, but sleep was impossible after last night’s encounter on the porch.

I’d always been an early riser, thanks to SEAL training, but this was different.

Since kissing Ava last night, sleep had vanished completely, replaced by restless energy and chaotic thoughts.

Ava claimed the kiss was a mistake, but every instinct inside me screamed otherwise.

That kiss had shifted something inside me, and now I had to deal with the aftermath.

Leaning heavily against the counter, I rub my face roughly with one hand, attempting to shake off the lingering tiredness.

My thoughts circle endlessly, replaying every second of that kiss.

The softness of her lips against mine, the way she gasped when my hand slid up her thigh, the raw need in her breath when she shifted into my lap.

The heat of her body pressed to mine, the way her nails dug into my shoulders, her head tipping back to give me more, Jesus.

I can still feel the burn of her skin beneath my hands, the way she trembled when my mouth hit her neck.

And that look in her eyes, right before she pulled away, like she wanted it just as badly but was terrified to want anything at all.

My chest tightens, a low ache curling in my gut.

I don’t regret a damn thing, but I can’t stop wondering how different it would’ve felt if she’d let herself stay.

The conversation that preceded the kiss echoes just as loudly in my mind.

I pour coffee into my mug, leaning against the kitchen counter.

My gaze drifts absently toward the stairs, ears straining for any hint of movement upstairs.

It’s quiet; everyone else is still wrapped in sleep.

Not surprisingly, considering the long journey we’ve had, but it leaves me alone with nothing but my thoughts.

And right now, my thoughts are tangled up in Ava.

Last night’s conversation changed everything. I already knew there was something between us, something impossible to deny, even though it’s only been a handful of days since we found her and Eli. But talking to her on that porch swing, under a sky full of stars, opened my eyes completely.

I know she’s scared. Not just of Randy, but of trusting anyone again. Of believing someone might actually stay.

Well, I’m staying.

She needs consistency. Protection. Maybe even someone who can take a bit of the weight off her shoulders. I don’t know what this will become, but I know I want to be the one standing beside her when the storm hits.

I take another sip of coffee, the hot liquid scalding my tongue. The pain barely registers compared to the turmoil swirling inside me. Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking this way. It hasn’t been that long since Ava and Eli crashed into our lives. Normal people don’t fall this hard, this fast.

Then again, normal has never exactly been my style.

My whole life, I’ve been the impulsive one.

Jumping into situations feet first, never hesitating once I’ve made up my mind.

Liam and Cole have always been cautious and strategic.

Me? I trust my gut, make decisions, and commit fully.

Sure, I think things through, briefly, but once my mind’s set, I’m all in.

And last night, sitting under the stars with Ava, my gut made a crystal-clear decision. I’m not leaving her. I’m not letting Randy get anywhere near her or Eli ever again. And I’m sure as hell not allowing her to slip back into that isolated fear she’s lived in for so long.

But Ava called our kiss a mistake. Said it, almost apologetically, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

I saw right through her, though. That wasn’t regret or disinterest. It was fear.

Fear of getting hurt, fear of relying on someone only to lose them.

She’s guarding her heart fiercely, understandably so.

Little does she realize, it’s far too late for that. She’s already stolen mine.

Footsteps coming down the stairs break my restless thoughts.

I look up just as Liam enters the kitchen.

He’s already dressed in jeans, a simple T-shirt, and boots.

His standard uniform, down to the scowl creasing his forehead.

Morning-Liam, pre-coffee, is about as friendly as a rattlesnake with a headache, and I can’t resist the urge to provoke him.

“Morning, sunshine,” I say with exaggerated cheerfulness, offering a bright smile that I know will irritate him. “Another beautiful day, isn’t it?”

Liam gives me a glare that could melt paint, his response little more than a low grunt.

Without another word, he heads straight for the coffee pot.

I stifle a chuckle, pouring him a steaming cup before he can reach it.

He accepts it silently, lifting the mug to his lips as though it holds the antidote for his bad mood.

“Always a pleasure talking to you in the morning,” I tease, leaning back against the counter. “Your enthusiasm is truly infectious.”

He shoots me a dark look over his cup but remains quiet, clearly unwilling to engage just yet. Before I can continue poking the bear, Cole pads into the kitchen, footsteps silent even on the old wooden floors.

Cole gives us both a quiet nod, eyes flicking curiously between Liam and me, sensing tension. Without a word, I prepare another mug of coffee, handing it to Cole along with the milk he always takes.

“Morning,” Cole says, his voice calm and deep as usual, taking his first careful sip.

I clear my throat, deciding there’s no point delaying the inevitable. “So, something happened last night.”

Liam and Cole both turn toward me, alert, their attention fully focused. Liam narrows his eyes suspiciously, coffee mug hovering near his mouth.

“What happened?” he demands curtly.

“I kissed Ava,” I say bluntly, meeting their shocked expressions head-on. “And before either of you starts lecturing me about professionalism or whatever, hear me out.”

Liam’s jaw clenches so tightly it looks painful. Cole just raises his eyebrows, his expression neutral, waiting patiently for me to explain further.

“Last night, Ava came downstairs late, and we had a conversation,” I start, my voice firm but steady.

“She couldn’t sleep, and honestly, neither could I.

We talked about how scared she is about being alone again when this job ends.

About how hard it’s been for her to carry the responsibility of Eli’s safety entirely on her shoulders.

And guys, she admitted she feels safer here, with us, than she ever did in witness protection. ”

Liam’s eyes soften, but suspicion still lingers there. “So, you decided kissing her was the solution?” he says sarcastically.

I sigh, giving him a frustrated look. “It wasn’t exactly planned, Liam. But in the moment, it felt right. And I don’t regret it. In fact, it clarified a lot of things for me.”

“What exactly did it clarify?” Cole asks, his voice calm, curious rather than accusing.

“I’m not willing to leave her. Or Eli. Not until Randy is no longer a threat.”

Liam scoffs, disbelief clear in his tone. “Jax, do you realize how ridiculous you sound?”

“I don’t see it that way at all,” I argue stubbornly.

“Then what the hell do you call it?” Liam challenges harshly. “We have a business, responsibilities. How exactly do you plan to manage that if you’re off babysitting Ava indefinitely?”

“I’ll manage from behind the scenes,” I shoot back, shrugging. “I can still handle things remotely. But I’m staying with Ava, Liam. My mind’s made up.”

Liam shakes his head, frustration tightening every muscle in his body. “You’re impulsive, Jax. You jump into things without thinking through the consequences.”

“Correct, and I’ve never regretted my choices yet,” I insist. “I’m not blind. I’ve seen how you and Cole look at Ava and Eli, too. You can pretend all you want, but I know you both feel it. I’m just not going to hide from it.”

Silence stretches between us. Cole finally breaks it.

“I’ll stay too,” he says simply.

Liam rounds on him. “Oh, come on. You too?”

Cole shrugs. “I trust my gut. Ava and Eli need someone who won’t vanish when this job ends. I don’t know what this becomes either, but I’m willing to see it through.”

Liam swears under his breath, dragging a hand down his face. “You guys are both insane.”

Cole continues. “I’m serious, but we can’t make these decisions without talking to Ava first. There’s a good chance she might not be okay with any of this.”

Liam jumps on Cole’s statement immediately. “Exactly. What if she only wants one of us? Have you thought about that?”

His desperation to find a flaw in this plan only proves to me how deeply he’s struggling with his own feelings. I hold his gaze steadily, refusing to flinch.

“If Ava decides she only wants one of us, I’ll respect her decision. But either way, I’m committed. You can either join us or not, Liam, but I’m not changing my mind.”

“How did she react after the kiss?” Cole asks curiously.

“Well, she responded to the kiss with gusto in the moment, but then panicked about it after.” I shrug, nonplussed. “I figure she just needs to see we aren’t leaving.”

“Hmm,” Cole muses for a second, rubbing his jaw. “We should wait to tell her that. It might make her panic more because of the massive commitment involved. Maybe we take a few more days, let her adjust, and we can encourage a deeper relationship at her pace.”

I nod, liking the idea, and Liam throws his hands up in frustration. “You’re both absolutely insane. You’re already whipped and you haven’t even gotten laid yet!”

I ignore him completely, turning back to Cole. “Let’s run to the town north of here. It’s a forty-five-minute drive there, but Eli’s excited about the horses, and I want to grab some stuff for him to feed them with.”

Cole nods immediately, placing his mug down and heading upstairs. “Sure. Give me a minute. I’ll be right back.”

When Cole disappears, I turn back to Liam, who is still glaring at me in disbelief.

“Listen, brother, I’m not going to fight with you about my choices.

You know me, I’m just going to make them, and you’ll have to live with it.

” I give an easy shrug, but keep my gaze steadily on him.

“But, I’m not stupid. I can see a good thing in front of me when I have it.

You should try to as well. Otherwise, your need to control every situation is going to make you miss something amazing here.

Ava and Eli could be the best thing to ever happen to us.

Don’t let your fear stop you from seeing that. ”

I turn and leave him to his own thoughts, a song popping in my head that comes out as an easy whistle.

Regardless of what time it takes Liam to get his big old head out of his ass, I know what I want now.

I am aware of where my thoughts are and what my focus is.

And Cole is on my side, so I know it won’t be long before Liam caves too.