Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 319

Chapter 319: Chapter 319 Hungover and Helpless

Joseph’s POV

I left Ava’s place knowing she needed friends but wouldn’t call them herself. So I called Eleanor, explaining everything. I didn’t even finish before she promised to gather the girls. But first, she tore into me like I haven’t been torn into for years, calling me every kind of idiot imaginable. And she wasn’t wrong.

My fears, insecurities, and all the toxic bullshit my father represents had made me completely fall apart. Ava might never forgive me, but I had to keep trying.

Not long after, Ryan, Nate, and Luke burst into my penthouse. They informed me the girls were having an overnight with Ava, who needed her friends, and they were here to support me and drag me back to reality. We talked. We drank. Heavily.

The next morning, I dragged myself to the office just after ten, feeling like death warmed over. Julia took one look at my disheveled appearance and shook her head in resignation. My tie was crooked, jacket hanging limply from my arm, hair uncombed, and I was wearing sunglasses indoors. A complete mess.

When I entered my office, I found Eleanor putting some folders on my desk.

"Well, well, Alpha Joseph looks like someone had quite the party," Eleanor approached, her voice seemingly amplified to jackhammer levels.

"Elle, please speak quietly," I whispered as she sniffed around me like a bloodhound.

"I’m not speaking loudly, Joseph!" she shot back. "I warned you I never wanted to see your hungover ass in this office again. Not only are you late, but you reek of alcohol. Someone of your professional status should know better. Is getting wasted all you boys do when you get together?"

Eleanor was gearing up for one of her lectures about maintaining an image befitting my professional position.

"Elle, please, not today." I sighed. "Tell me how Ava’s doing instead."

"She’s fine. She’s even going to the movies with Theo today," Eleanor mentioned casually.

"She’s what?" I demanded.

"I said I’ll get you pills and strong coffee. You’ll lie on that couch until lunchtime, and we’ll start working this afternoon," Eleanor continued issuing orders.

"I’m going to Ava’s place right now." I stood up, but she pushed me back into my chair.

"You’re going nowhere. Sit your ass down and listen. Leave Ava alone today. Just for today, let her watch her movie and have some fun. Tomorrow, don’t show up drunk or late. Got it, Joseph?" Her tone was like a general ordering troops into formation.

"Eleanor, if you think I’m letting my mate go to the movies with another man, you’re seriously mistaken!"

"I’m never mistaken, Joseph! Technically speaking, Ava isn’t your mate. Did you propose to her? Did you have a ceremony? Did you mark her?"

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