Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 343

Chapter 343: Chapter 343 Possessive Outburst

Ava’s POV

Joseph’s jaw clenched as he walked toward me. The look in his eyes reminded me of a predator ready to pounce.

"Where the hell have you been?" he demanded.

I squared my shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "Having dinner."

Kenneth rolled down his window before driving off. "I happened to run into this lovely young lady at the diner. Since it was late, I offered her a ride home." His smile looked real, but I caught something in his eyes when he looked at Joseph.

Joseph’s hand found my waist, fingers pressing possessively against my hip. "Thank you for bringing my girlfriend home safely," he said with forced politeness. "I appreciate it."

The way he emphasized "my girlfriend" made my stomach twist. Like he owned me.

"Your girlfriend is delightful company," Kenneth grinned. "You’re a lucky man, Alpha Joseph."

"I’m well aware," Joseph’s grip tightened slightly.

Kenneth nodded politely, though he glanced at me with slight concern. "I should be going now. Goodnight, Ava."

The tension between the two Alphas was so thick I could almost see it, like invisible currents of electricity arcing between them.

Alpha Kenneth’s car drove away.

The moment we were alone, Joseph spun me around to face him. His eyes burned with an intensity that would have been sexy under different circumstances. Right now it just pissed me off.

"What exactly is going on between you and Kenneth?" he demanded.

"Nothing is ’going on,’" I snapped, pushing his hand off my waist. "We had dinner. He drove me home. End of story."

"So you’ve been seeing him since Caroline’s joining ceremony? After I specifically told you to stay away from him?"

"Told me?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You don’t get to tell me who I can and can’t talk to, Joseph!"

"He’s old enough to be your father, Ava!" Joseph ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, messing it up in a way that would have been endearing if I wasn’t so angry. "What business does he have taking you to dinner?"

The implication in his words made me snap."What, you think I’m fucking him? You think I’d be so desperate that I’d jump into bed with a man I barely know?"

I stepped closer, jabbing a finger into his chest. "Do you think I’m like you? Someone who can’t keep it in their pants when their current relationship isn’t even over?"

Joseph froze, his face paling slightly. I’d hit a nerve, and we both knew it.His reputation as Harbor Bay’s most eligible bachelor was well known, along with his status as a notorious playboy.

"That’s not what I—"

"Holy shit," she whispered, pulling me inside. "That was intense! Who was that silver fox who dropped you off? And why did Joseph look ready to tear his throat out?"

I collapsed onto her couch, kicking off my shoes. "That was Kenneth Flynn. I’ve run into him a few times. Tonight he found me at that little diner."

"And Joseph just happened to be waiting outside my apartment?" Nina raised an eyebrow.

"Apparently." I sighed. "God, Nina, he acted like I was cheating on him or something."

"I mean, the older guy is pretty hot for his age," Nina admitted. "But I know you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I’m not your jealous ex-boyfriend."

"He’s not my ex," I corrected automatically.

"After that display? Give it time." Nina snorted.

I sighed, leaning back against the cushions. "It’s not funny."

"Kind of is," Nina said, but then her expression shifted. "Wait a minute. Kenneth Flynn..." She picked up her phone and began typing. "He looks really familiar."

Nina’s eyes widened as she stared at her phone screen. "Ava, you’re not going to believe this."

"What?"