Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 289

Chapter 289: Chapter 289 Standing By You

Ava’s POV

"He really tried to assault you? And then he threatened his own son for money?" I asked, still processing everything Eleanor had just told me. "What kind of father does that?"

Eleanor sighed over the phone. "The worst kind. Steward Garcia is exactly the type of wolf that gives Alphas a bad name. He was a terrible leader before Joseph took over, and an even worse father."

I felt a bit sorry for Joseph. In such a short time, Joseph had become incredibly important to me. Despite my initial reservations about getting involved with a wolf, especially an Alpha, I couldn’t deny how deeply I cared for him.

"Is Joseph okay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"He’s handling it, but I know he could use your support tonight," she said. "Antonio’s been staying with him to avoid his grandfather, but I think Joseph needs you too."

I bit my lip, nodding. A few weeks ago, I would have run in the opposite direction from wolf pack drama. Now, I was willingly stepping right into the middle of it, all because I couldn’t imagine not being there for Joseph.

I’d started treating him like he was actually my boyfriend. The thought terrified me. I’d sworn off relationships with wolves after Isaac’s betrayal. But Joseph was different. He made me feel safe and cherished. He even made me feel powerful in ways I’d never experienced before.

"I’ll see him tonight," I decided aloud. "

"Good. You’re good for him, Ava." Eleanor ended the call.

The evening, Joseph came to pick me up for dinner.

"Auntie, my darling!" Antonio jumped from the car and embraced me.

"Antonio, you adorable troublemaker!" I hugged him back, genuinely delighted by his enthusiasm. "So I get to have dinner with the two most handsome men in Harbor Bay tonight?"

"Well, at least one of us qualifies. That one over there is passable at best," Antonio gestured toward Joseph, making me laugh heartily.

"Don’t push it, kid," Joseph warned playfully before pulling me in for a kiss that made my knees weak.

"Alpha Joesph, please don’t make us go to some retirement home restaurant!" Antonio pleaded dramatically.

"Yeah, Joseph, we don’t want to go anywhere stuffy," I winked at him. "We want pizza!"

"Fine!" Joseph conceded, kissing my cheek affectionately.

"And bowling..." I added, sharing a conspiratorial look with Antonio.

"Oh no, you’re dragging me to that bowling hell?" Joseph groaned.

"If you don’t complain, I’ll stay at your place tonight," I offered, causing him to grin immediately.

"I love bowling!" Joseph declared, making both Antonio and me burst into laughter.

After a dinner filled with teenage stories from Antonio and plenty of laughter, we headed to the bowling alley. Joseph lost spectacularly, enduring our merciless teasing with good humor. It was a perfect, joyful evening, exactly what we all needed.

Later that night, I emerged from the bathroom wearing the white bodysuit Joseph had bought from the boutique. The expensive little garment was just one of several gifts he’d given me recently. The look in his eyes when he saw me made my heart race.

I crawled onto the bed and straddled his hips, placing my hands on his broad shoulders.

"Want to talk about what happened today?" I asked softly.

"I’m sure Eleanor told you everything," he replied, his hands settling on my waist.

"Of course she did. She’s my friend, and she knows I want to support you and help you forget all your troubles!"

"Watch yourself, you coward!"

"Oh, save me from the urge to slam certain people’s faces into the pavement," I said, looking heavenward.

"Dear Ava, let me give you some advice. Start looking for another job because your happiness here won’t last long."

"You know what, Linda? I’d love to hear your opinion, but I just don’t have time!" I retorted.

Kyle stepped out of the elevator and walked toward us. Sensing the tension, she asked in a serious tone, "Ladies, is there a problem here?"

"No, Kyle, everything’s fine," I glanced at Linda, whose eyes were filled with hatred. Before leaving, I decided to tease her one last time. "Dear Linda, I have to tell you, any problem between us is entirely your problem!" I blew her a kiss, then walked into Alpha Draven’s office with Kyle following behind.

"Ava, what’s going on?" she asked.

"Oh, Kyle, Linda is always trying to get under my skin. I’m only smiling to keep my criminal record clean," I sighed.

"Oh Ava, you’re such a handful!" Kyle laughed heartily. "Wow, I really like the wall color you chose."

"Beautiful, isn’t it? I’m enjoying this job."

"You have good taste. Just keep ignoring Linda." Kyle winked at me before leaving the office.

I was just finishing up the paint samples when my phone buzzed with Joseph’s name on the screen.

Despite everything that had happened this week, a smile immediately spread across my face as I answered.