Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 383

Chapter 383: Chapter 383 Hidden Depths

Ava’s POV

The coming-of-age celebration turned out even better than I’d hoped. Colorful lights hung from trees, transforming the forest clearing into a magical wonderland. Laughter filled the air as teenagers celebrated their first full shift.

"This is amazing!" Ellie tugged on my dress, her eyes wide with wonder. "When I turn eighteen, can my party be just like this?"

I knelt down to her level, smoothing her unruly curls. "Yours will be even better. I promise."

"You’ve outdone yourself, Ava." Kenneth appeared beside me, looking handsome in a tailored suit. His eyes swept over the celebration with obvious approval. "I’ve never seen the pack this energized at a ceremony before."

"It wasn’t that complicated," I shrugged, though pride swelled in my chest.

This wasn’t too difficult for me. I had been a manager at Thorne Enterprises and had worked on office designs before. I was pretty familiar with planning events like this.

"Don’t downplay your talents," Kenneth said, his hand warm on my shoulder. "You’ve been here barely two weeks and already made yourself indispensable."

A group of teenagers rushed over, still buzzing with excitement from their first shift.

"Miss Ava!" A lanky boy named Tyler grinned. "This is sick! Those photo stations you set up are awesome."

His friend nodded enthusiastically. "And the music! Not the usual boring stuff we always have. My parents actually admitted it was cool."

Kenneth chuckled. "High praise indeed."

I was happy that they liked it. Having my work recognized really made me feel valued.

Later that night, Kenneth looked at me from across the party. He nodded toward the main house to show he wanted to talk. I excused myself from Sarah and followed him to his office.

To my surprise, he wasn’t alone. Two wolves I recognized from the pack stood stiffly by his desk, looking like children caught stealing cookies.

"Please close the door, Ava," Kenneth said, his voice colder than I’d ever heard it.

When I did, he gestured to a chair. "Have a seat."

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Do you know why I’ve asked these two here?" Kenneth asked me.

I shook my head, though I had my suspicions.

"Sarah informed me they’ve been spreading malicious rumors about you throughout the pack." His eyes hardened as he turned to them. "Would you care to repeat what you’ve been saying to Ava’s face?"

Lisa moved around uncomfortably. "Alpha Kenneth, we were just—"

"I didn’t ask for excuses," Kenneth cut him off. "Repeat it. Now."

Mike’s face flushed red. "We...we said that she’s only here because you want her in your bed. That she’s trying to become Luna by seducing you."

My stomach twisted, but I kept my expression cold.

"And do you have any evidence for these claims?" Kenneth asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

"No, Alpha," they mumbled in unison.

"So you’ve been spreading lies about someone under my protection. Someone who has done nothing but work tirelessly to improve our pack." Kenneth stood, his powerful frame towering over them. "Lisa, you’re going to the holding room for a week to think about what you did. Mike, same for you. When you get out, you’ll have to do twice as much pack training."

"Alpha Kenneth," I interjected, "that’s not necessary—"

"It absolutely is." His tone left no room for argument. "They need to understand there are consequences for their actions."

After they were dismissed, I sighed. "You didn’t need to do that. Gossip is inevitable. Punishing them won’t stop others from talking."

Kenneth leaned against his desk, arms crossed. "You’re wrong, Ava. In pack, power and respect go hand in hand. Only through consequences will they learn to respect you. Without strength, there is no respect."

"That sounds rather... harsh."

His expression softened slightly. "It may seem that way to you. But I’ve led this pack for years. Trust me on this."

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