Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 337

Chapter 337: Chapter 337 Caroline’s Pack Joining Ceremony Invitation

Ava’s POV

"Wine!" Eleanor announced dramatically as I stepped through her door that evening. "Lots and lots of wine. You look like you need it."

I gratefully accepted the glass she thrust into my hands. "You have no idea."

Nina and Ruby were already sprawled on Eleanor’s plush sectional, and Kyle was mixing something in the kitchen that smelled amazing. Caroline hadn’t arrived yet.

"So, Alpha Hottie is still on his apology tour?" Ruby asked, patting the spot next to her.

I sank down onto the couch. "Every day this week. I don’t get it. He can have any woman he wants."

"Maybe he wants you," Nina said, twirling a strand of her hair. "Ever think of that?"

"Trust me, he doesn’t know what he wants," I replied, taking a large gulp of wine. "If he really wanted to be with me, he wouldn’t have betrayed me. Multiple times."

Eleanor consoled me. "I condemn his cheating behavior first and foremost, but I have to say, he’s been living in hell during this time. Well, men always only learn to cherish what they have after they lose it."

"Speaking of men," Kyle called from the kitchen, "Dominic asked about you again, Eleanor."

Ruby leaned in with a gossipy grin. "How do you even know that? Are you still in touch with Paul?"

Kyle smiled. "Luke’s pretty jealous about it, anyway. Though I think Dominic definitely can’t compete with your beloved prince Nate."

Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. When will that boy learn I’m not interested?"

I couldn’t help but laugh. "The curse of being fabulous," raising my glass.

The doorbell rang, and Eleanor went to answer it. Caroline burst in, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Ladies, I have huge news!" she announced, her eyes sparkling. "Draven officially invited me to join Storm Valley Pack! Again!The ceremony is next week!"

The room erupted in cheers and congratulations.

"That’s amazing!" Eleanor exclaimed. "I knew it was coming, but still!"

"This is a big deal," Kyle said, coming in from the kitchen with a tray of appetizers. "Pack Joining Ceremony don’t happen often, especially for someone who wasn’t born into the pack."

Caroline beamed. "And that’s not all. Draven said he’ll invite Alphas and Betas from all the major renowned packs to attend. And I want all of you to come with me. As my guests."

"Seriously?" Ruby squealed. "At Storm Valley territory?"

"Draven said I could invite my closest friends," Caroline explained. "You guys have been my support system since I moved here. I want you there."

"Count me in!" Nina said immediately.

"Absolutely," Eleanor agreed.

"Wouldn’t miss it," Kyle added.

I remained silent, staring into my wineglass.

Caroline turned to me, her smile fading slightly. "Ava? I really hope you’ll come too."

I shifted uncomfortably. "I... I don’t know if I should. These kinds of ceremonies... they’re not really for people like me."

"What do you mean ’people like you’?" Caroline asked, sitting next to me.

"I’m from a tiny pack no one’s heard of. I don’t have a wolf. I’d be completely out of place at some high-profile pack event with Alphas and important wolves from all over."

Caroline took my hand. "Ava, if anyone understands feeling out of place, it’s me. I was an outcast in my own pack because I don’t have a scent."

"About Joseph?" Ruby teased.

I forced a smile. "Just wondering what the hell I’m going to wear to this thing."

Eleanor’s eyes lit up. "Oh honey, you’re coming to my closet. I have the perfect dress for you."

***

The pack join ceremony day arrived too quickly. I stood in front of the mirror in Eleanor’s guest bathroom, barely recognizing myself. The dress she’d lent me was a deep emerald green. It hugged my curves in all the right places before flowing gracefully to the floor.

"Wow," Nina said from the doorway. "You look incredible."

"So do you," I replied honestly. Nina was stunning in a pale blue gown that complemented her beautifully.

Eleanor appeared behind her in a silver dress that seemed to shimmer with every movement. "Ladies, we are going to turn heads tonight."

Ruby and Caroline joined us, equally gorgeous in their formal attire.

"Our chariot awaits," Eleanor announced.

Nate was standing by his stretch Lincoln.

Ruby joked, "Prince Charming’s ride is definitely something else."

The Storm Valley Pack territory was located on the outskirts of Harbor Bay, a sprawling estate surrounded by forest and protected by high walls. As our limo approached the gates, I felt my anxiety spike.

"It’s okay," Caroline squeezed my hand. "Remember, you’re my invited guest. No one will question your right to be here."

I nodded, trying to believe her. But as we pulled up to the impressive mansion that served as the pack house, I couldn’t help feeling like an impostor.