Chapter 290

Chapter 290 Dinner with My Mother
Ava’s POV

As soon as I picked up the phone, Joseph began his complaints.

“This is terrible, Ava… you’re becoming a serious problem for me!”

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“I mean you should come with a warning label that says ’highly addictive’!”

I burst into giggles.”Joseph, you’re ridiculous!”

“Seriously, Ava, no matter where I go or what I do, I can’t stop thinking about you. It’s affecting everything… I can’t focus on work!” Joseph groaned while I kept laughing uncontrollably.

“You always know how to make me feel better,” I said, still wiping away tears from laughing so hard.

“I’d like to have dinner at your place,” Joseph said seriously over the phone. “I’d like to properly meet your mother. Last time wasn’t exactly… ideal.”

My heart warmed at his words. An Alpha wanting to formally meet my mother showed just how serious he was about us.

“You really want to meet my mom?” I asked, unable to keep the surprise from my voice.

“Of course. She’s important to you, which makes her important to me,” he replied with sincerity.

“Okay,” I agreed softly. “We just moved into the new apartment. Maybe you could help us celebrate?”

After ending the call, I immediately texted my mother about Joseph’s request.

Her response came quickly and was exactly what I’d feared.

[I have no interest in socializing with an Alpha. You know how I feel about their kind.]

My heart sank. I called her immediately, needing to hear her voice rather than reading cold text messages.

“Mom, please,” I pleaded when she answered. “You said you wouldn’t stand in the way of my relationship with Joseph. I’m not asking you to become best friends, but can’t you share one meal with him? For me?”

There was a long silence on the other end before my mother sighed heavily.

“Fine,” she finally conceded, her voice sharp. “But if I can’t hold my tongue and say something unpleasant, don’t blame me.”

I smiled, knowing this was as good as it would get.

“Thank you, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, silly girl,” she replied slightly.

***

Joseph arrived at our apartment building looking unfairly handsome in dark jeans and a navy button-down that made his shoulders look even broader. His arms were loaded with gifts—an expensive bottle of wine, a small jewelry box, and a beautifully wrapped housewarming present.

“You didn’t have to bring all this,” I said, gesturing to his armful of packages.

He gave a devastating smile. “Basic courtesy when you’re invited to someone’s home, especially when it’s the mother of the woman I’m dating.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, rising on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “Just… be prepared. My mom can be… intense.”

“I handle a pack of wolves daily, sweetheart,” he replied with a wink. “I think I can handle one protective mother.”

If only he knew.

When we entered the apartment, the scent of homemade pot roast, garlic mashed potatoes, and freshly baked apple pie filled the air. Despite her protests, my mother had prepared a lavish dinner.

“Mom, we’re here,” I called out, squeezing Joseph’s hand for courage.

My mother came out of the kitchen. She was wiping her hands with a towel. Her face looked normal, but I could tell she was being careful as she looked at Joseph.

“Mrs. Flynn,” Joseph greeted her with respect, extending his hand. “Thank you for having me in your home.”

“It’s Ms. Trollpoe,” my mother corrected coldly. “I never took Flynn’s name.”

Joseph nodded smoothly. “My apologies, Ms. Trollpoe. I brought these for you.” He presented the gifts, which my mother accepted with minimal thanks.

When she opened the small box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet with moonstone details, I saw a brief flicker of appreciation in her eyes before the wall came back up.

“How thoughtful,” my mother said, “Dinner is ready. We should eat before it gets cold.”

Dinner began with an uncomfortable silence that Joseph bravely attempted to break.

“Your home is lovely, Mrs. Flynn. The neighborhood seems nice too.”

My mother nodded curtly. “It’s adequate. Nothing like the luxury I’m sure you’re accustomed to as an Alpha.”

I winced at her tone, but Joseph remained unfazed.

“I appreciate comfort, but I’ve found it’s the people you share your space with that matter most,” he replied smoothly.

“Speaking of people,” my mother said, setting down her fork.

“So, Alpha Garcia, tell me about your pack. How many wolves do you oversee?”

My mother finally started her interrogation.

“Mom!” I interrupted, embarrassed. “That’s like asking someone how much money they make.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’m merely getting to know the man my daughter is involved with.”

Joseph placed a calming hand on my knee under the table. “It’s alright, Ava.” He turned to my mother. “The Nightbane Pack has about three hundred members. My father was the previous Alpha, though he… wasn’t the best leader. My mother still lives in the pack house, as does my sister Flora and her children.”

My mother listened, her expression giving nothing away. Then, without warning, she asked the question that made me want to disappear under the table.

“My daughter is a wolfless omega. As Alpha of a major pack, would you ever consider making her your Luna?”

“Mom!” I gasped, mortified. “We’ve been dating less than a month! That’s completely inappropriate!”

Joseph set down his fork, caught off guard by the directness of the question. The silence stretched uncomfortably as he considered his response.

Before he could answer, my mother stood. “I see. I apologize for overstepping. If you’ve finished eating, Alpha, perhaps it’s time for you to leave.”

“Mother!” I protested, but Joseph placed his hand over mine.

“Thank you for dinner, Ms. Trollpoe,” he said politely. “The food was excellent.”

“Mom, please—” I started, but she had already turned away, taking her plate to the kitchen.

I walked Joseph to the door, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered once we were outside. “My mother is… protective. My last boyfriend treated me horribly, and she’s been wary of anyone I date since then. She and my grandmother raised me by themselves, and we didn’t have much. She never wants to see me hurt again.”

Joseph’s expression softened. “You don’t need to apologize. I understand protective mothers, mine would do anything for me too. My parents had a terrible relationship, so I get it.” He brushed a strand of hair from my face. “I won’t hold your mother’s concerns against her. She loves you.”

His understanding nearly brought tears to my eyes. This man continuously surprised me with his compassion.

“I’m just curious,” he asked softly. “Was your father a jerk too?”