Chasing His Scentless Mate

Chapter 382 West Coast New Beginnings

Ava’s POV

The moment I saw Joseph across the restaurant, something inside me shattered completely. He looked at me with such disdain, such contempt—as if I were nothing more than garbage beneath his expensive shoes. And just like that, whatever fragile hope I’d been nursing died.

I forced a smile as I turned back to Kenneth sitting across from me. "Sorry about that."

Kenneth’s eyes narrowed slightly as he glanced over my shoulder toward Joseph walking away. "Are you alright, Ava? You look pale."

"I’m fine," I lied, "Just ready for this new Chapter. How soon can we leave?"

Kenneth studied me for a moment before answering. "My plane is fueled and ready whenever you are. We could leave tonight if that’s what you want."

"Tonight would be perfect," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. The sooner I put distance between myself and Joseph, the better.

We finished our lunch. With each passing minute, my resolve strengthened. Harbor Bay held nothing for me now but pain and humiliation. Whatever awaited me on the West Coast couldn’t possibly hurt worse than seeing that look in Joseph’s eyes.

Three hours later, I was boarding Kenneth’s private jet.

The flight passed in a blur of small talk and spectacular sunset views. When we finally touched down, the cool night air hit my face like a welcome slap of reality. This was happening. I was actually doing this.

A tall, broad-shouldered man waited beside a black SUV on the tarmac. His posture was military-straight, his expression stoic as we approached.

"Ava, this is Owen Richards, my Beta," Kenneth introduced us.

Owen extended a hand. "Miss Ava. Welcome to Pine Ridge territory."

His handshake was firm, authoritative. Nothing like Ryan’s playful grip or Jared’s gentle one. This was a man who took his position seriously.

"Thank you," I replied. "It’s nice to finally meet you. Alpha Kenneth speaks highly of you."

Owen almost smiled for a moment. "Alpha Kenneth is generous with his praise." He turned to Kenneth. "Everything is prepared as requested, Alpha."

I expected we’d head to a hotel or perhaps an apartment in the city, so I was surprised when we drove past the urban center and toward what appeared to be residential territory. The nice houses got farther apart as we drove into the woods. Finally, we stopped at a huge mansion that sat on a big piece of land with trees all around it.

"The pack house," Kenneth explained, watching my reaction.

"It’s beautiful," I said honestly, looking at the stone walls and warm lights coming from the windows.

Inside was even more impressive—high ceilings, tasteful decor, and staff who greeted Kenneth with respect and me with curious glances. I didn’t miss the whispers that followed us through the grand foyer.

"Who is she?"

"An Omega—without a wolf?"

"Why would Alpha bring her here?"

A middle-aged woman with a kind face approached us. "Your guest’s room is ready, Alpha Kenneth."

"Thank you, Martha. Please show Ava upstairs."

Martha led me up a sweeping staircase to the second floor, down a hallway lined with artwork, and finally to a set of double doors. When she opened them, I couldn’t hide my surprise.

The bedroom was stunning—cream-colored walls, a massive four-poster bed draped in luxurious bedding, fresh flowers on every surface, and French doors opening onto a private balcony.

"The bathroom is over there," Martha said. "And we put some basic things in the closet until your stuff gets here."

When I opened the closet door, "some basic things" turned out to be a closet full of expensive clothes, shoes, and accessories—all in my size.

"There must be some mistake," I said. "These aren’t mine."

"Alpha Kenneth arranged everything," Martha replied simply. "Dinner will be served at seven in the main dining room. Would you like me to come back and show you the way?"

After she left, I sat on the edge of the bed, running my hand over the silky comforter. This was not what I had expected. This room wasn’t prepared for a temporary guest.

At dinner, Kenneth smiled at me across the formal dining table. "Is the room to your liking?"

"It’s really nice," I said. "But this is a lot of stuff. Were you planning for me to stay here for a long time?"

His smile got bigger. "Well, if you like it here, maybe you’ll want to stay."

I nearly choked on my wine. "That’s very presumptuous."

"I prefer to call it optimistic," he countered playfully.

The next morning, I was awakened by Martha bringing in breakfast. "Alpha Kenneth has arranged a pack gathering this evening to welcome you officially," she informed me.

"A gathering? For me? That’s not necessary—"

"It’s already been organized. Alpha Kenneth wants everyone to meet his honored guest."

The day passed in a whirlwind of preparations. By evening, the back lawn had been transformed with lights, tables, music, and food. Pack members began arriving, all curious about me.

I felt their stares, heard their whispers. A wolfless Omega was rare enough, but one given such prominence by their Alpha was unprecedented.

During the festivities, a small hand tugged at my dress. I looked down to see a little girl with bright eyes and a missing front tooth.

"Are you a princess?" she asked bluntly.

I laughed, crouching to her level. "No, just a regular person. I’m Ava."

"I’m Ellie," she declared. "You’re pretty. Uncle Owen says you’re im-por-tant." She carefully enunciated the word.

"Ellie! Don’t bother our guest," a gentle voice scolded. A woman walked over. She looked like Beta Owen but with softer features."I’m Sarah. Owen’s sister. I see you’ve met my little daughter."

"She’s not bothering me at all," I assured her. "She’s adorable."

Sarah’s smile was warm. "Would you like to sit with us? I can tell you all the pack gossip that Alpha Kenneth certainly won’t share."

We spent the next hour chatting, and I found myself genuinely laughing for the first time since... well, since before everything fell apart with Joseph.

Sarah told stories about growing up in the pack, about Kenneth’s embarrassing teenage years, about pack traditions.

"You should have seen Owen when he first became Beta," she confided. "So serious! I thought his face might crack if he smiled."

As the evening progressed, Kenneth found me and extended his hand. "Sorry to interrupt you ladies, but it’s time for dancing. May I have this dance?"

I smiled and took his hand.

On the makeshift dance floor, Kenneth’s hand was warm on my waist. "Are you enjoying yourself, Ava?"

"I am, surprisingly," I answered truthfully. "Everyone’s been very welcoming. But..."

"But?"

"I can’t just be a guest forever. I need purpose, something to do. I didn’t come here to be pampered and idle."

He nodded thoughtfully. "As it happens, I could use an assistant. Someone organized, intelligent, with fresh perspectives."

I raised an eyebrow. "Doesn’t Beta Owen handle everything for you? He seems incredibly capable."

"Owen is exceptional at what he does," Kenneth agreed. "But even the most efficient Beta isn’t superhuman. He has pack security, training, and territory management to oversee. Having someone focused on pack social affairs and community projects would be invaluable."

I considered his offer. "What exactly would that entail?"

"Event planning, community outreach, liaison between different pack departments. Starting with organizing our coming-of-age celebration next week. It’s a significant event—when our young wolves turn eighteen and can freely shift for the first time."

The role would give me purpose. Something to focus on besides the hollow ache in my chest where Joseph used to be.

"I accept," I said. "When do I start?"

"Tomorrow morning. Sarah will show you the ropes, she’s been handling most of these duties informally."

The following day, I threw myself into my new position with enthusiasm. Kenneth gave me an office near his in the pack house, and Sarah spent the morning explaining the coming-of-age celebration traditions.

"It’s like a debutante ball meets wilderness retreat," she explained. "The ceremony itself is private, but afterward, we hold a massive celebration. This year we have twelve young wolves coming of age."

I was making notes about decorations and catering when Sarah suddenly fell silent.

I looked up to see her frowning. Through the open door, I could hear voices in the hallway.

"—can’t believe Alpha Kenneth brought her here."

"A wolfless Omega playing at importance."

"She’s obviously trying to seduce him. Batting those big eyes at our Alpha—"

"Clearly after the Luna position."

Sarah stood abruptly. "Excuse me," she said tightly, marching to the doorway.

"If you have opinions about Alpha Kenneth’s decisions, perhaps share them directly with him rather than gossiping like teenagers."

The voices stopped, then I heard people walking away quickly.

Sarah turned back to me, her face apologetic. "I’m so sorry about that."

I forced a smile. "It’s fine. I’ve heard worse."

"Still, it’s inexcusable."

I shook my head. "Rather than worry about what they think, I’d prefer to prove them wrong through actions. This celebration will be spectacular—let my work speak for itself."