Chapter 394 Not The Love You Want

Ava’s POV

I stared into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. After a long moment, I nodded. “I’ll come back to Harbor Bay. But Joseph, we have a lot to work through. This doesn’t erase everything that happened.”

“I know,” he said solemnly. “And I’ll spend every day making it up to you, if you’ll let me.”

When we came out of the study, Kenneth was waiting. His face showed no clear emotion. “I assume your… reunion went well?”

I took a deep breath. “Alpha Kenneth, can I talk to you alone? In your office?”

He nodded and led the way, while Joseph stayed in the common area. Once inside his office, I turned to Kenneth, ready to be honest.

“I’m leaving with Joseph,” I said straight out. “Today.”

Kenneth’s expression didn’t change, but I saw the subtle tightening around his eyes. “I see. May I ask why?”

“It’s complicated,” I began.

“Is it because of last night?” he interrupted. “Ava, if I made you uncomfortable—”

“No,” I assured him. “It’s not that. Joseph and I… we discovered something today. Something important.” I hesitated, then decided he deserved the truth. “He’s my fated mate.”

I know it’s wrong to use the fated mate bond as an excuse to leave, but if I stay here, I’ll only end up marrying Kenneth in this atmosphere where everyone already sees me as the Luna. I don’t love him, and I can’t give him false hope.

Kenneth went very still. “Your fated mate,” he repeated coldly. “And you’re certain of this?”

I nodded. “Leila recognized him immediately. His wolf recognized me too.”

Kenneth turned away, walking to the window. “So you’re choosing him. After everything he put you through, you’re going back to him.”

“It’s not just about the mate bond,” I tried to explain. “I had feelings for Joseph long before today. But things were… complicated.”

“And they’re not complicated now?” Kenneth shot back, turning to face me again. His handsome face was calm, but his eyes gave away his pain. “Joseph Garcia has quite a reputation, Ava. He’s hurt you before. What makes you think he won’t do it again?”

I didn’t have a perfect answer for that. “I don’t know for certain. But I want to give us a chance.”

Kenneth approached me slowly. “What about us, Ava? Was I just a distraction? A temporary shelter until something better came along?”

“No,” I said firmly. “You’ve been my friend. You saved me when I needed saving the most. I will always be grateful for that.”

“Gratitude,” he said bitterly. “That’s not what I want from you.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I never meant to hurt you.”

He studied my face for a long moment, then his expression softened. “What is it about me that isn’t enough, Ava? What does Joseph have that I don’t?”

The question caught me off guard. “Kenneth, it’s not about comparing you two. It’s about… chemistry. Connection. I respect you enormously, but—”

“But you don’t love me,” he finished. “Not like you love him.”

I nodded, unable to deny it.

Kenneth sighed deeply, then straightened his shoulders. “I understand. If Joseph is truly your fated mate, who am I to stand in the way? I want you to be happy, Ava, even if it’s not with me.”

His gracious response made my heart ache with guilt. “Thank you for understanding. And thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“I’ll always be here for you,” Kenneth said, stepping closer. “If things don’t work out with Joseph, if he hurts you again—come back to me. I’ll be waiting.”

Before I could respond, Kenneth leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. The kiss was gentle yet insistent, his hand cupping my face with surprising tenderness. Though part of me wanted to push him away, I let the kiss continue, not wanting to hurt him further after everything he’d done for me.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were dark with emotion. “Something to remember me by,” he murmured.

“Kenneth,” I said gently, “you’ll always be important to me. As a friend.”

His smile was tinged with sadness. “For now,” he said, echoing his words from this morning. “We’ll see each other again, Ava. I have business interests in Harbor Bay that require my attention.”

The statement seemed innocent enough, but something in his tone raised my guard. “Of course. You’re always welcome to visit.”

“I’m counting on it,” he replied. “Now, let me walk you out. I’m sure Joseph is anxious to take you home.”

An hour later, after hasty goodbyes to Ellie and the other pack members who had become my friends, I stood at the Pine Ridge territory border beside Joseph’s car. My few belongings were packed in the trunk, and Joseph stood beside me, his hand warm against the small of my back.

Kenneth walked up to us one last time and held out his hand to Joseph. “Take care of her,” he said, his voice holding a quiet warning.

“I will,” Joseph promised, pulling me a little closer.

Kenneth then turned to me. He took my hand and gently kissed the back of it. “Until we meet again, Ava.”

Joseph helped me into the passenger seat. As we drove off, I looked back through the window. Kenneth stood tall at the border, watching us leave. Even from far away, I could feel the weight of his gaze fixed on the car.