Chasing His Scentless Mate

Chapter 396 Going Back to Harbor Bay

Ava’s POV

My feelings about Joseph being my fated mate were really confusing. I never thought that the strong pull I felt toward him was because we were mates. That mix of wanting to be close to him but also wanting to stay away made sense now. I was thankful to the Moon Goddess for this gift, even after everything that happened. The truth was, I did love him. My decision to leave with him wasn’t about forgiving what he did. I was using his return as a way to get away from my situation with Kenneth.

I’d been pondering how to explain my transformation to my friends, how to tell them about Joseph and me. As soon as we landed at the airport, I spotted Eleanor waiting for us.

"Well, look who’s finally back—our long-lost friend," Eleanor quipped with playful sarcasm.

"Oh, Elle, I didn’t get lost," I laughed.

"No? Are you really that ungrateful?" Eleanor teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I’m not. You know I love all of you," I pouted.

"I know, beautiful. Tell me, are you okay?" The concern in her eyes was genuine.

"There’s been some trouble. But I’m fine," I assured her.

Eleanor pulled me into a tight hug, and immediately froze. She pulled back, her eyes wide with shock. "Ava, you’re... different. What happened?"

"It’s a long story," I sighed. "Maybe we could have a girls’ night soon, and I’ll tell everyone at once. Save myself from explaining it over and over."

But before we could arrange our girls’ night, chaos erupted. Caroline went into labor with her quadruplets. One of the babies was nearly kidnapped from the hospital. Howard broke into their home and attacked Draven. Thankfully, that demon was caught, and Alpha Draven was recovering well. Things were finally settling down, and Caroline and Draven could at last enjoy some peace.

I’d been staying at my mother’s house, deliberately avoiding Joseph because I wasn’t ready to forgive him yet. I’d visit the quadruplets only when I knew Joseph wouldn’t be there.

Then Caroline called, saying she wanted to talk to me privately.

"Where are the most beautiful babies in the world?" I gushed as I arrived, spotting the quadruplets in various baby carriers scattered around the living room.

"We were just taking a walk in the garden," Caroline said, wrapping me in a warm embrace. "How are you, my friend?"

"I’m fine, Caroline. "

"I’ve been worried about you. You know I was on strict bed rest during my pregnancy, and with everything else going on, I may have been distant. But now that everything’s calmed down, I’m not letting you off the hook until you tell me everything." Caroline pulled me onto the sofa.

"I’m not sure how to explain it all, Caroline," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Ava, can I tell you something?" Caroline asked softly.

"Are you going to tell me I should forgive Joseph?" I asked.

"Yes, Ava. I know I shouldn’t interfere too much, but whenever Joseph visits me and the babies, he’s clearly miserable. I heard about how he brought you back from the West Coast, and he told Draven that you’re his fated mate."

I listened silently.

"Ava, since you’ve been back, you haven’t shared anything with your friends—not even how you suddenly have a wolf. Are we not friends anymore?"

My eyes began to water. "Of course we are, Caroline. I was planning to, but your situation seemed more important..."

Caroline stopped me. "Ava, we’re friends. It’s not about whose problems are more important. You’re just too kind and always put others first, even when you’re hurting. Nina even told me you’ve been seeing a therapist. I feel awful that I wasn’t there for you."

"Caroline, I—"

"Ava, I’ve said it many times—we’re friends. If you and the girls hadn’t been there to guide and help me through my issues with Draven, my life would have been miserable. I understand that feeling of needing friends, of feeling alone. Please, open up to us?"

Looking into Caroline’s sincere eyes, I thought about Eleanor’s concern, and Nina, Ruby, and Kyle’s support. They were all such kind-hearted people, yet I’d pushed them away out of fear and selfishness.

I could feel Leila’s encouragement within me. "Ava, though I’ve only been with you for a short time, your friends are right. You can’t keep hiding. Perhaps being honest is part of growing."

Finally, I gathered my courage and said, "Caroline, what if my secrets bring danger? What if the real me isn’t who you all thought I was? Would that be okay?"

Caroline squeezed my hand firmly. "Of course it would be. But you have to promise to be my daughter’s godmother." She pouted, and I laughed.

"I’d be honored to be sweet Layla’s godmother!" I played with the little girl, who gazed at me with beautiful eyes and a smile.

"But you know Joseph is the godfather," Caroline added.

"That’s fine, Caroline. I can handle it. I’ll attend the christening and do my best to be everything Layla needs from a godmother. I won’t let you down," I promised.

"So, are you ready to tell me everything now?" Caroline asked.

"Absolutely," I nodded.

Caroline tilted her head slightly, seemingly sending a mind-link to someone.

Suddenly, I heard multiple footsteps coming down the stairs. I stood up from the sofa and turned around to find all the girls there.

"Everyone, you’re..."

Eleanor appeared with wine and glasses, looking smug. "You didn’t think you were only going to share your secrets with Caroline, did you?"

Nina stuck out her tongue playfully. "I know I shouldn’t have told anyone about you seeing a therapist, but you disappeared without a word. Dr. Marlowe called me asking why you stopped attending your sessions."

I suddenly remembered how I’d left in such a hurry, completely forgetting to cancel my therapy appointments.

Ruby and Kyle had found the nannies in the pack house and taken the quadruplets away. Liam had gone outside with Draven.

The girls quickly transformed the living room into a cozy space perfect for heart-to-heart conversations.

Caroline pushed me into the center of their circle and smiled. "Now, Ava, tell us everything."