Ava’s POV
What were the odds of running into him here, of all places? In a tiny, empty diner across from the police station?
"Alpha Kenneth," I said, quickly wiping my mouth. "This is... unexpected."
His smile was gentle, as he gestured to the seat across from . "Mind if I join you? You look like you could use so company."
I hesitated, glancing down at my barely touched grilled cheese. I wasn’t in the mood for conversation, especially not with an Alpha I barely knew.But after how coldly the police had dismissed , his warm presence was reassuring.
"Sure," I finally said, pushing my plate slightly aside.
Kenneth sat down, folding his hands on the table. "So, what are you doing in this part of town so late? Most people don’t end up near the police station after dark unless sothing’s up."
The concern in his voice sounded genuine. But I didn’t want to share my family problems with a virtual stranger.
"Just so work stuff," I lied, forcing a small smile. "Nothing serious."
Kenneth studied for a mont, his expression thoughtful. "Being an Oga working at a company like Alpha Draven’s can’t always be easy. I imagine you face your share of unfair treatnt?"
His comnt surprised . Was he criticizing Alpha Draven’s company?
I didn’t want people getting the wrong idea about Alpha Draven, so I quickly explained.
"Actually, Alpha Draven runs a very inclusive workplace," I said sincerely. "He doesn’t tolerate discrimination. There might be occasional issues with certain individuals, but that’s not his fault."
Kenneth’s eyebrows rose slightly, but his smile never wavered. "I’m glad to hear it. Too many Alphas these days forget their responsibility to protect and support those under their care, especially Ogas."
The waitress interrupted, asking Kenneth if he wanted to order anything.
"You know, I’ve been in business for many years, and I’ve seen how work problems can really stress people out, especially when you’re trying to deal with them by yourself."
I picked at the crust of my sandwich, not eting his eyes. "I’m used to dealing with things on my own."
"We all like to think we can," he said, his voice softening. "But sotis reaching out for help is the strongest thing you can do. I know it’s not easy, especially for soone as independent as you seem to be."
His words hit close to ho. How had he pegged so accurately after just two brief etings? While I felt a strange sense of familiarity with him, so instinct told there was sothing odd about his approach.
"What kind of work issues are you facing? Maybe I can offer so advice," he suggested as his coffee arrived.
I fidgeted. "Just the usual... deadline pressure, difficult colleagues. Nothing special."
Kenneth nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "You know, in my experience, what seems like a colleague problem often has more to do with communication styles. Have you tried speaking directly with whoever’s giving you trouble?"
"It’s complicated," I said, wishing I’d co up with a better cover story.
"Life usually is," he agreed. "But I’ve found that most problems beco less intimidating once you talk them through with soone who’s been there before."
"Thanks for the advice," I said sincerely. "I’ll think about it."
When I reached for my wallet to pay for my al, Kenneth waved off.
"I already took care of it," he said.
"What? No, you didn’t have to do that. I can pay for my own food," I protested, embarrassnt heating my cheeks.
Kenneth smiled. "Consider it a small gesture from soone who’s been where you are, trying to handle everything alone. Next ti, you can buy coffee if you insist on reciprocating."
Next ti? He was asking to see again, but he made it sound casual.
"I... maybe," I said, not committing but not refusing either. "Thank you. That’s very kind."
As we stepped outside, the night air had grown chillier. I hugged my jacket tighter around myself, preparing to call another rideshare.
"Where are you headed?" Kenneth asked, keys already in hand.
"My friend’s apartnt. It’s not far."
"Let drive you," he offered. "It’s late, and I’d feel better knowing you got ho safe."
Every instinct told to politely decline. I’d already shared more than I intended with this man. But the prospect of getting ho faster, of having just a few more minutes to sort through my thoughts, made the offer tempting.
"If you’re sure it’s not out of your way," I finally agreed.
Kenneth drove a decent car, nothing too flashy, just a clean sedan with leather seats. As we pulled away from the curb, I caught him looking over at .
"You know, I was impressed by how you defended your friend at Alpha Draven’s party," he said.
I couldn’t help but smile. "You an I was reckless and wild?"
"I was going to say fiesty, but if you prefer ’wild,’" he chuckled. "Your mother must have raised you to have quite a backbone."
The ntion of my mother sent a pang through my chest. "We’re close. Or we were. Things have been... complicated lately."
"Parent-child relationships often are," Kenneth nodded knowingly.
"That sounds familiar," I admitted. "My mom ans well, but sotis she treats like I’m still sixteen and can’t make my own decisions."
"Parents have a hard ti letting go. They see all the dangers you don’t, all the ways the world can hurt you. It makes them hold on too tight sotis."
His words made wonder, was that why my mother had tried so desperately to get to leave Harbor Bay? What dangers had she seen that I hadn’t?
"I guess I never thought about it from her perspective," I said quietly.
Kenneth spent the rest of the drive talking about his business, smart enough not to ask more personal questions when I obviously didn’t want to answer them. I appreciated that he backed off, and by the ti we reached Nina’s building, I felt better than I had all day.
For the first ti since discovering my mother’s disappearance, I’d managed to think about sothing else for more than five minutes. Maybe I could handle this after all.
"Thank you for the ride," I said, reaching for the door handle. "And the dinner. And the advice."
"Anyti," Kenneth replied. "We all need soone to talk to sotis."
I stepped out of the car, turning to wave goodbye—and froze.
There, leaning against his black sports car, stood Joseph Garcia. His arms were crossed and he looked pissed.
When he saw getting out of Kenneth’s car, his expression got even worse.
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