Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 351

Chapter 351: Chapter 351 Strange Questions

Ava’s POV

Joseph returned with three slices of wedding cake, his green eyes sparkling as he handed me mine. I took my first bite, savoring the sweet vanilla and buttercream.

"This is amazing," I moaned appreciatively, watching Joseph’s eyes darken slightly at the sound.

"Glad you like it," he replied, his voice getting deeper. The tension between us was palpable, electric, and definitely not just about cake.

"I’m going to mingle a bit," Hedi said with a knowing smile. "You two enjoy your dessert... and each other’s company."

As Joseph’s mother walked away, I decided to grab a drink to wash down the sweetness. "I’ll be right back," I told him, standing up. "Just going to get something to drink."

I made my way toward the bar, weaving through the crowd of wedding guests. The celebration for Caroline and Alpha Draven was truly spectacular.

Just as I reached the bar, a familiar voice called my name.

"Ava? Great to see you here."

I turned to find Alpha Kenneth smiling at me, dressed impeccably in a navy suit. His hair was perfectly styled, and his cologne smelled expensive.

"Alpha Kenneth," I greeted politely. "Are you enjoying the wedding?"

"Very much so. Alpha Draven and Caroline make a beautiful couple." He signaled the bartender. "What are you drinking? Allow me."

"Just a sparkling water with lime, please."

After getting our drinks, Kenneth leaned against the bar, studying me intently. "I’ve been meaning to ask you something, Ava. That night when I drove you home... did Alpha Joseph give you any trouble? His expression when he saw us together was quite... hostile."

I nearly choked on my drink. "No, nothing like that. There was a misunderstanding, but we’ve sorted it out."

"Good to hear." His eyes narrowed slightly. "I wouldn’t want to be the cause of any problems between you two."

I smiled tightly. "No problems at all."

Alpha Kenneth took a sip of his whiskey, his gaze never leaving my face. "So, how do you feel about Joseph? I couldn’t help but notice some tension between you two previously."

The directness of his question caught me off guard. How did I feel about Joseph? Saying I liked him seemed ridiculously inadequate. You don’t feel your heart shatter into a million pieces over someone you merely "like."

What I felt for Joseph was deeper, more complex. Despite his betrayal, the pain, the complications—I cared deeply for him.

"I care about him very much," I answered carefully. "We’ve had some ups and downs, but we’re working through them."

Kenneth nodded thoughtfully. "And would you say it’s the kind of caring where you’d do anything to protect him? Even if it meant putting yourself at risk?"

I frowned, utterly confused by the strange turn in conversation. "That’s an odd question."

"Just curious," he shrugged, but his eyes remained intensely focused.

"He’s an Alpha," I laughed awkwardly. "One of the most powerful in Harbor Bay. I doubt he needs protection from a wolfless Omega like me."

Kenneth’s lips curved into a strange smile. "Perhaps you’re not giving yourself enough credit, Ava. There’s more to you than meets the eye, more strength than most wolves I’ve encountered."

My heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by that? How could he possibly know anything about my strength? Had he somehow discovered my witch heritage? The thought sent a cold shiver down my spine.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," I said, trying to sound calm.

Kenneth glanced over my shoulder and straightened. "Your Alpha approaches. I should go before he misinterprets our conversation again." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"He was asking weird questions," I said. "About how much I care about you."

Joseph’s face relaxed. "I don’t like that guy. He’s been way too interested in you from the start."

"Jealous?" I teased, trying to lighten things up.

"Yeah," he said right away, which surprised me. "I hate the idea of another guy, especially another Alpha, getting close to you."

His honest answer made me feel warm inside. After hearing about his past from Hedi, how his father had stolen his girlfriend, his jealousy and worry made total sense.

"Joseph," I said softly, placing my hand on his chest. "You have nothing to worry about with Kenneth or any other man."

He covered my hand with his. "I need to hear you say it."

I looked up into his intense green eyes. "I swear by the Moon Goddess that I have no feelings for Alpha Kenneth. There is nothing—"

Joseph quickly pressed his finger to my lips. "Don’t finish that oath. I believe you." He pulled me closer. "Never swear lightly to the Goddess. Such oaths have power."

The band started playing a slow, romantic song, and Joseph stepped back a little. "Want to dance?"

As he led me to the dance floor, I couldn’t stop thinking about Kenneth’s weird questions. When this wedding was over, if the police still hadn’t found anything about my mom’s disappearance, I would try something else. I would use my magic to find her.

But first, I had this dance with Joseph. Being in his arms felt more and more like home, even with everything that had happened between us. As we swayed to the music, I thought that maybe Hedi was right. Maybe her son did deserve another chance.

And maybe I deserved to be happy too.