Chasing His Scentless Mate Chapter 273 So, Are We Official Now?

Ava’s POV

"With the authority of your new boyfriend!" He looked at and smiled, and I burst out laughing.

"You think too highly of yourself!"

Joseph pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to face . "I’m serious."

"Why won’t you let help you? Can’t one word from make him disappear better than you getting a lawyer?" He pressed.

"Because..." I hesitated, trying to put my feelings into words."Because I don’t know what we are, Joseph. "

"What do you an, what are we?" He looked genuinely confused. "You called us ’friends with benefits’ before, but I haven’t even slept with you once. We go out together, I send you flowers, I introduce you to my family—what do you think this is?"

The look in his eyes made my heart race. "I don’t know what to think anymore."

"Then let make it clear," Joseph said. "I’m pursuing you, Ava Flynn. Not as a casual fling or a temporary distraction. I want to be with you. I want to be your boyfriend, your mate, your protector if you need one—though I know you can handle yourself most of the ti."

I stared at him, montarily speechless.

"I need to know where I stand with you," he continued. "Because I can’t keep doing this dance where I don’t know if I have the right to tear apart soone who hurts you."

I was shocked by his sudden confession. "Joseph—"

"When I first saw you," he interrupted, "I thought it was just attraction. Physical desire. I’ve never denied being a man who enjoys won’s company. But this is different." His hand reached for mine, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "I’ve never felt this way before. The more I get to know you—your wit, your strength, your kindness—the more I want all of you."

My throat tightened with emotion. "Are you serious?"

"Completely." His eyes never left mine. "I’m falling for you, Ava. Hard and fast. And it scares the hell out of because I’ve never been in love before."

The word ’love’ made everything in the car go quiet. Only my heart was beating.

"You don’t care that I’m a wolfless Oga?" I asked quietly, giving voice to my deepest insecurity. "You’re an Alpha. Your pack—"

"I don’t give a damn about that," Joseph said fiercely. "I care about who you are, not what you are or aren’t. I love who I love, and that’s you."

I searched his face for any sign of deception, any hint that this was just another line from the notorious playboy.

The way he protected today, the way he was confessing to now—it was really hard not to be moved by him.

Without another thought, I leaned forward and pressed my lips to his. The kiss was gentle at first, then deepened as Joseph pulled closer. When we finally broke apart, I was breathless.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Yes what?" he asked, his voice husky.

"Yes, I’ll go on a date with you."

"Wait, shouldn’t you be agreeing to be my girlfriend?" He groaned.

"Who agrees to be soone’s girlfriend without even going on one date?" I teased.

"I’ve asked you out many tis. You always said no," he protested.

I smiled at him.

"Even if you won’t agree to date —" His fingers traced up my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "See? Your body tells everything I need to know." His grin turned smug.

"Joseph, you’re insufferable," I said, but couldn’t stop smiling.

"Co to my place tonight," Joseph said.

My heart fluttered at the thought, but I shook my head. "I can’t. I need to talk to my mom about what happened with Isaac. She’s been worried about , and I want to keep her updated so she stays vigilant. I’m concerned he might try to get to through her."

Joseph nodded. "You’re right to be concerned. Is she leaving for that conference tomorrow?"

"Yes. She won’t be back until Friday."

His jaw tightened. "Then you’re staying with until she returns."

I raised an eyebrow. "Excuse ? Don’t you think you’re being a little controlling here?"

"No, Ava, I don’t," Joseph said firmly. "I’m your boyfriend and I care about you. There’s no way I’m leaving you alone with that psycho ex of yours stalking around. Either you co to my place or I’ll camp out at yours, but you’re not staying alone."

I looked at him with affection.

Joseph’s eyes locked with mine. "So, are we official now? You and ?"

I laughed and placed my hand on his cheek. "I thought you said you didn’t need to ask."

"You’re really hard to pin down, and you always change the subject on ," Joseph said. "I don’t want this to be all in my head. I need to hear you say it."

I smiled and gave him a gentle kiss."I want to be with you. I want us to be together."

I added. "Officially."

Joseph’s smile was brilliant enough to light up the entire car.

"You won’t regret this," he murmured. "I promise."

Joseph pulled in for a kiss that made my toes curl. His lips were firm and demanding against mine, his taste intoxicating. Before I knew it, he’d pulled onto his lap right there in the car, parked on the street outside my building. His hands tangled in my hair as the kiss deepened, and I forgot all about ti and place.

My phone’s shrill ring broke the mont. I reluctantly pulled away, breathless, and checked the screen.

"Hi, Mom," I answered.

But a voice I was terrified to hear answered instead.