Chasing His Scentless Mate Chapter 289 Standing By You

Ava’s POV

"He really tried to assault you? And then he threatened his own son for money?" I asked, still processing everything Eleanor had just told . "What kind of father does that?"

Eleanor sighed over the phone. "The worst kind. Steward Garcia is exactly the type of wolf that gives Alphas a bad na. He was a terrible leader before Joseph took over, and an even worse father."

I felt a bit sorry for Joseph. In such a short ti, Joseph had beco incredibly important to . Despite my initial reservations about getting involved with a wolf, especially an Alpha, I couldn’t deny how deeply I cared for him.

"Is Joseph okay?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"He’s handling it, but I know he could use your support tonight," she said. "Antonio’s been staying with him to avoid his grandfather, but I think Joseph needs you too."

I bit my lip, nodding. A few weeks ago, I would have run in the opposite direction from wolf pack drama. Now, I was willingly stepping right into the middle of it, all because I couldn’t imagine not being there for Joseph.

I’d started treating him like he was actually my boyfriend. The thought terrified . I’d sworn off relationships with wolves after Isaac’s betrayal. But Joseph was different. He made feel safe and cherished. He even made feel powerful in ways I’d never experienced before.

"I’ll see him tonight," I decided aloud. "

"Good. You’re good for him, Ava." Eleanor ended the call.

The evening, Joseph ca to pick up for dinner.

"Auntie, my darling!" Antonio jumped from the car and embraced .

"Antonio, you adorable troublemaker!" I hugged him back, genuinely delighted by his enthusiasm. "So I get to have dinner with the two most handso n in Harbor Bay tonight?"

"Well, at least one of us qualifies. That one over there is passable at best," Antonio gestured toward Joseph, making laugh heartily.

"Don’t push it, kid," Joseph warned playfully before pulling in for a kiss that made my knees weak.

"Alpha Joesph, please don’t make us go to so retirent ho restaurant!" Antonio pleaded dramatically.

"Yeah, Joseph, we don’t want to go anywhere stuffy," I winked at him. "We want pizza!"

"Fine!" Joseph conceded, kissing my cheek affectionately.

"And bowling..." I added, sharing a conspiratorial look with Antonio.

"Oh no, you’re dragging to that bowling hell?" Joseph groaned.

"If you don’t complain, I’ll stay at your place tonight," I offered, causing him to grin imdiately.

"I love bowling!" Joseph declared, making both Antonio and burst into laughter.

After a dinner filled with teenage stories from Antonio and plenty of laughter, we headed to the bowling alley. Joseph lost spectacularly, enduring our rciless teasing with good humor. It was a perfect, joyful evening, exactly what we all needed.

Later that night, I erged from the bathroom wearing the white bodysuit Joseph had bought from the boutique. The expensive little garnt was just one of several gifts he’d given recently. The look in his eyes when he saw made my heart race.

I crawled onto the bed and straddled his hips, placing my hands on his broad shoulders.

"Want to talk about what happened today?" I asked softly.

"I’m sure Eleanor told you everything," he replied, his hands settling on my waist.

"Of course she did. She’s my friend, and she knows I want to support you and help you forget all your troubles!"

"Is that why you’re spending the night?" His eyes glinted with mischief.

"No, Joseph, I’m sleeping with you because your cock is sweet and I want another taste!" I said nonchalantly, making him burst into surprised laughter.

"And here I thought you ca to bring tea to calm down."

"Tea?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, Eleanor said you gave her ’thigh tea,’ but she was wrong. You gave a ’leg lock’ and so ’pussy tea,’ which I absolutely love." I stared at him in disbelief before dissolving into giggles at his ridiculous words.

"You say the filthiest things to , you know that?"

"I like saying dirty things to get you wet." He pulled closer, placing hot kisses along my neck.

"Mmm, true! I love when you talk dirty while you’re fucking ." I kissed him back. "Maybe we should mix my pussy tea with your cock tea!"

His laughter rumbled against my chest, filling with warmth. This man was incredible, and I was completely falling for him.

When our laughter finally subsided, he grabbed firmly, and we spent an intense, passionate night together, barely sleeping at all.

***

I hadn’t seen Joseph since Monday night. I’d encouraged him to spend more ti with his nephew while I helped my mother pack for our move to the new apartnt next week.

The week flew by quickly. Alpha Draven had asked to redesign his and Caroline’s offices, which I was enjoying imnsely. The downside was dealing with that viper Linda, who took every opportunity to make my life difficult.

"So greasy-foreheaded people think they’re the office genius," Linda sneered as she saw walking toward Alpha Draven’s office.

"You must really love , huh? Listen, dear Linda," I fixed her with a blank stare, "give a break whenever possible, will you?"

"Watch yourself, you coward!"

"Oh, save from the urge to slam certain people’s faces into the pavent," I said, looking heavenward.

"Dear Ava, let give you so advice. Start looking for another job because your happiness here won’t last long."

"You know what, Linda? I’d love to hear your opinion, but I just don’t have ti!" I retorted.

Kyle stepped out of the elevator and walked toward us. Sensing the tension, she asked in a serious tone, "Ladies, is there a problem here?"

"No, Kyle, everything’s fine," I glanced at Linda, whose eyes were filled with hatred. Before leaving, I decided to tease her one last ti. "Dear Linda, I have to tell you, any problem between us is entirely your problem!" I blew her a kiss, then walked into Alpha Draven’s office with Kyle following behind.

"Ava, what’s going on?" she asked.

"Oh, Kyle, Linda is always trying to get under my skin. I’m only smiling to keep my criminal record clean," I sighed.

"Oh Ava, you’re such a handful!" Kyle laughed heartily. "Wow, I really like the wall color you chose."

"Beautiful, isn’t it? I’m enjoying this job."

"You have good taste. Just keep ignoring Linda." Kyle winked at before leaving the office.

I was just finishing up the paint samples when my phone buzzed with Joseph’s na on the screen.

Despite everything that had happened this week, a smile imdiately spread across my face as I answered.