Chapter 300

Chapter 300 The Cold Shoulder
Ava’s POV

Kyle’s suggestion to investigate my mother’s past left me without a clear starting point. Just as I was trying to wrap my head around where to begin, Caroline’s situation with Alpha Draven spiraled even further downward. That’s how we ended up planning our emergency girls’ night.

The evening was going fine until I excused myself to use the restroom. On my way back, I collided with none other than Joseph’s father. I was totally freaking out, but I managed to pull myself together before heading back to our table. Caroline was absolutely devastated after finding out that awful Ella was pregnant with Alpha Draven’s pup, and we came here to support her, not dump more drama on her plate.

“Ava, is everything okay? You were gone a while,” Nina asked immediately as I slid back into my seat. For someone so petite, she was incredibly observant and noticed everything.

“Yes, Nina. Just a call from my mom,” I lied, forcing a smile. The last thing Caroline needed was more drama tonight.

“Oh, Ava, I’m dying to meet your mother. ” Eleanor commented, swirling her wine.

“Well, why don’t we plan something at my place then?” I suggested, suddenly feeling inspired. The girls all enthusiastically agreed, and I felt a genuine smile returning to my face.

Several drinks and hours of conversation later, we said our goodbyes. I’d arranged to stay overnight at Nina’s; I desperately needed to confide in someone about what had happened. As soon as we entered her apartment, she turned to me with concerned eyes.

“Okay, spill it, Ava. What’s going on?”

“Nina, I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice cracking.

“What do you mean?” Her eyes widened.

“What happened at the club tonight.”

I told her about Joseph’s dad getting handsy with me and being a total creep.

“I knew something was wrong!” Nina exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say anything at the club? Why not tell the girls?”

I sighed heavily. “Nina, you saw Caroline tonight. I didn’t want to add my problems to her plate when she’s suffering so much already.”

“Ava, that’s what friends are for, to share your burdens,” Nina said firmly.

“I know, but Caroline needs us right now. I can count on you though, right?”

“Of course, girlfriend! But you should tell Joseph that his father harassed you.”

I shook my head vigorously. “No, I won’t, Nina. Joseph might confront his father, and they could end up fighting. His father is a terrible man, and I don’t want Joseph defending my honor at the expense of his relationship with his family.”

“Ava, that’s his father. You’re his mate, even if it’s not official yet. He needs to know.”

“I know, but I don’t want to make his situation worse.”

“Ava,” Nina said, taking my hands in hers, “you’re always thinking about others and neglecting yourself. You keep the people who love you at arm’s length. Do you really think that’s the right thing to do?”

“Nina, I just don’t want my problems to be anyone else’s concern. I have to handle this myself.”

“But you don’t have to carry this alone. I’ll respect your decision, but think about this. Shouldn’t you let the people around you decide whether they want to help you or not, rather than deciding for them?” Nina’s tone was serious, making me reflect deeply. “But while you’re considering others, remember that I’m always here for you.”

“Thank you, Nina,” I squeezed her hand affectionately.

I knew she was spot on, but I’d been handling everything on my own for so long. Just dumping my problems on friends without stressing about it? That was gonna take some getting used to.

But talking with Nina helped immensely. She didn’t just listen and support me; she offered advice and actively wanted to help. It felt good having a friend’s support.

The days flew by, and Joseph and I barely found time to talk. I was busy with work, Caroline was in bad shape, and we were all trying to help her through it.

Joseph was caught between supporting Draven and dealing with his father, who was apparently making his life miserable—at least that’s what Eleanor told me. Our conversations had become brief, mostly one-sided with me doing all the talking while he just listened.

Joseph’s behavior was unsettling; something had changed, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was different.

Things improved when Caroline started dating Jax, and our girls’ nights returned to their weekly schedule, freeing up my evenings and weekends again. However, Joseph seemed extraordinarily busy. A creeping anxiety began to build in my chest.

I called his cell, but he never answered, always sending a message saying “I’ll call you back later,” then never did.

I called his office, and they always said he was unavailable, either in meetings or on calls, followed by “I’ll pass along your message.”

On weekends, he claimed to be working. I knew something was wrong but didn’t want others to know. Then, Antonio called me.

“Hi, Ava!” His voice was as enthusiastic as ever.

“Antonio! How are you?” I smiled despite my worries.

“Ava, I’m so stressed! It’s exam week. I’ve been studying like crazy, and I’m just taking a break to grab a snack and call you because I miss you. It’s like you’ve disappeared. Now you only seem to have time for your friends.”

“Yeah, things were complicated for a while, but they’ve calmed down for over a week now. Why haven’t you and your uncle come over?”

“What do you mean? I was going to ask why you didn’t come to Sunday lunch at our pack house. Uncle Joseph said you were with your friends.”

My blood ran cold. “I think your uncle must be confused.”

“Ava, are you two fighting?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Though Joseph has been really busy lately, maybe that’s why.”

“Ava, is something wrong?”

“No, sweetheart, we’re just swamped with work.”

“Should we plan something for the weekend?”Antonio asked.

“OK. Just let me know when.”

After chatting a bit more, we hung up, and I felt terrible.

If I had doubts before, I was now certain something was wrong.

Joseph was deliberately avoiding me.