Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 398

Chapter 398: Chapter 398 Reunited Hearts

Ava’s POV

After I told the girls my secret, Caroline insisted on sending three of the Storm Valley Pack’s toughest warriors to take me home. As the pack’s Luna, her protective side had taken over completely.

Eleanor, though, had a different idea. She practically pulled me into her car and told the warriors to follow us.

"Listen, Ava," Eleanor sighed, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly. "I promised I wouldn’t get in the middle of things with you and Joseph. You’re my friend, and he’s... well, technically my boss. But I can’t just watch you both be miserable anymore."

I nodded carefully. "So?"

"Alright, fine. I agreed to help Joseph out." She glanced at me, looking a little guilty. "Please don’t hate me for this."

I was confused as Eleanor drove way too fast down streets I knew. When I saw the house that used to be Joseph’s and mine, I stopped breathing for a second. As we got closer, my heart started beating hard against my chest. I could see a soft light coming from inside the windows.

"Ava," Eleanor said gently, "I agreed to do this before I knew your secret. Please, just hear him out. Give yourself a chance, too. Don’t let this moment pass you by."

I hugged her, thankful for her constant support. "I could never hate you, Elle. You’re brave and honest about how you feel—everything I’m not. Running away doesn’t fix anything."

With that, I got out of the car and walked slowly toward the front door. I looked back once and saw Elle give me an encouraging nod.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

What I saw inside took my breath away.

The whole room was lit by soft lamps, giving off a warm light. Dozens of clear helium balloons hung from the ceiling. Each balloon had a white ribbon tied to it, holding tiny photos of Joseph and me, little notes with apologies or sweet words, and small red paper hearts. I walked around, reading every message and looking at each picture that showed our special times together.

Tears ran down my face as I walked into the living room. Joseph was standing there, in our favorite room where we used to watch the sunrise. It still had our soft rug and bright cushions. He stood with his hands in his pockets, looking nervous. The ceiling above him was full of balloons with photos, notes, and hearts. The small lamps made the room feel cozy and private.

On the table next to the cushions were wine, cheese, fruit, and chocolate. I looked around and saw the windows were decorated with a curtain made of white ribbons and white, pink, and red hearts. So many hearts.

"Not a single rose?" I asked, smiling through my tears.

"Not today!" Joseph laughed as he walked toward me. He gently touched my cheek, and I could see his eyes were shiny with tears he was holding back. "You have no idea how much I’ve missed you."

"I’ve missed you so much too," I whispered, putting my hand against his face.

"Ava, please forgive me for all my mistakes. I can’t live without you." He pressed my hand firmly against his chest, right over his heart.

I looked into his eyes. "Forgive me for being too proud to see that I was hurting you."

Joseph looked at me with deep feeling. "After thinking these past few days, I realized I was really wrong. I’ve been running away every time things get hard between us. When we argue, when you need answers, when you deserve explanations—I disappear. I’ve never really given you the security you should have in this relationship."

Leila stirred inside me, responding to our mate.

"You’re right," I admitted, feeling something inside me give way. "You disappeared for two weeks. Two weeks! And the moment you came back, I had to find out from a photo that you were with Sophia."

"I never went looking for her," Joseph insisted, his green eyes pleading. "She showed up when I was out with the guys. I pushed her away right away."

"But that’s not even the point!" My voice rose a little. "The point is you vanish whenever things get tough. You ran off after our fight."

Joseph’s face fell. "I was really hurting because you wouldn’t forgive me, and I thought about just giving up. I know that ’giving up’ attitude is cowardly. When things get complicated, I hide in work or drinking or—"

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