Chapter 263 – Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline & Draven) Novel Free Online by Syliva D

“His pack,” Caroline said bitterly. “Always about the pack.”

“That’s the burden of being Alpha,” Joseph said quietly. “Everything we do affects those under our protection.”

The conversation shifted to pack politics, and I found myself interested despite my doubts.

I learned that Eleanor was Alpha Gerald’s daughter from the Blood Moon Pack, while Caroline’s father was a Beta in the same pack.

Joseph’s Nightbane Pack was one of three major werewolf packs in Harbor Bay, along with Alpha Draven’s Storm Valley Pack.

Caroline seemed to have a close relationship with Alpha Draven.

From what I had heard, Alpha Draven was a cold, strict, and very fair person. Especially with his non-discrimination policy, welcoming all capable wolves. Caroline seemed to be like me, having something different about her. She had no scent, and I had no wolf. Looking at it this way, we really were kindred spirits in our struggles.

As they talked, I felt more and more out of place. Here I was, a wolfless Omega from a tiny pack, sitting with high-ranking werewolves. If this were medieval times, I’d probably be the servant bringing them tea and water.

What would they think if they knew my mother was half witch? That my grandmother still practiced the old magic that many werewolves feared? Would I be treated like a freak? Yet neither Eleanor nor Caroline had ever treated me badly because of my status. And Joseph… the way he looked at me wasn’t with disgust but with real interest.

“And what about you, Ava?” Joseph’s question pulled me back. “Which pack are you from?”

I tensed a little. “Frostveil Pack. It’s small, up north in Northhaven City.”

“Frostveil,” he said thoughtfully. “I don’t think I know them.”

“You wouldn’t,” I said. “We keep to ourselves.”

Joseph looked at me with those intense eyes. “And you’re here in Harbor Bay why?”

“School, originally. I graduated from Harbor Bay University last year. Business major.”

“Yet you’re working retail?” His tone wasn’t judgmental, just curious.

I shrugged. “The job market is tough. Being a wolfless Omega doesn’t open many doors in the corporate world here.”

I waited for the awkward silence, the pitying looks. Instead, Joseph leaned forward.

“Their loss,” he said simply. “Intelligence and drive matter more than wolf status.”

The honesty in his voice surprised me. Before I could respond, our food arrived, and the conversation moved to lighter topics.

When lunch ended, Eleanor and Caroline gathered their shopping bags.

“We should do this again,” Eleanor said, giving me a quick hug. “I’ll text you about next weekend’s brunch.”

As they got ready to leave, Eleanor caught my eye and winked. “Hope we’re not making a mistake letting Joseph drive you back,” she said, loud enough for Joseph to hear.

I hadn’t even realized that was the plan. “I can walk…”

“Don’t be silly,” Joseph cut in. “Your break must be almost over. I’d be happy to drive you back to the store.”

Eleanor and Caroline left with knowing smiles, leaving me alone with the Alpha who seemed determined to get under my skin.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” I asked as we walked toward the parking lot.

Joseph’s lips curved into a smile. “I’d love to take credit for such a perfect setup, but this was pure luck. Though I do plan to take full advantage of it.”

“Meaning?”

He stopped walking and turned to face me completely. “Meaning I still want that dinner, Ava Flynn. And I’m hoping you might reconsider your refusal.”

His scent surrounded me, making it hard to think clearly. Everything in me responded to him. It was a primal recognition I couldn’t explain or deny. It scared me.

“I don’t date Alphas,” I said, the words coming out softer than I meant.

“Because we’re arrogant and toy with people’s feelings?” he asked, and I realized he had indeed heard our earlier conversation.

My cheeks flushed. “Among other reasons.”

“Give me one chance to prove you wrong,” he said, his voice dropping lower. “One dinner. If you still think I’m a typical Alpha after that, I’ll never bother you again.”

I should have said no. Everything I knew about werewolves, about Alphas, about men with power told me to walk away.

But something about Joseph Garcia made me want to take risks I’d never thought about before.

Mom’s advice might be right, but… it could also be off the mark…

I was torn inside. Part of me wanted to say yes immediately.

But with a player like him, giving in too easily would only make him lose interest.

“Nice try, Don Juan. But I’m too smart to be tempted.”

Ava’s POV

Joseph looked heartbroken when I declined him. He put his hand on his chest like I had really hurt him.

“You know, you’re the hardest woman I’ve ever tried to date,” he said. His eyes were smiling instead of sad.

I had to laugh. “Then you better try harder. Though I can’t promise it will work.”

“Is that a challenge, Ms. Flynn?” Joseph smiled as he walked me back to my car. “Because I never give up on a challenge.”

“Take it however you want,” I said and shrugged.”I need to get back to work before I lose my job.”

“Let me drive you,” he said. He pointed to a nice black car nearby. “It’s the least I can do after taking half your lunch break.”

I waited a moment. “You didn’t take anything. I chose to come.”

“And I hope you’ll choose to come to dinner with me next,” he said.

He opened the car door for me.

I knew I shouldn’t, but I got in.

The car smelled like expensive leather and his amazing scent.

“If,” I said. “If I change my mind.”

The drive back to the store was short. But it was long enough for me to wonder what I was doing. My mother would be angry if she knew I was sitting in an Alpha’s car. She would be even more upset if she knew I was thinking about having dinner with him.

When we got to the store, Joseph walked me to the door. His hand touched my back lightly. The touch made me feel warm all over.

“Think about it,” he said quietly before leaving. “One dinner. What’s the worst that could happen?”

I watched him walk away. I looked at how his nice suit showed his broad shoulders and confident walk. The worst that could happen? I could fall for him. That would be the worst thing possible.

Three days later, on Sunday, it was tiring. I was alone in the store, and both Cybele and Cynthia had left for what they said would be a “quick snack” over an hour ago. Laura had the whole day off, leaving me to handle the weekend rush by myself.

“There she is. The beautiful Ava.”

Joseph walked into the store like he owned it. He wore dark jeans and a navy shirt that made his tanned skin look amazing. His hair was a little messy, like he’d been running his hands through it. His smile was bright enough to light up the entire mall.

My heart jumped.

“Good evening,” I said, keeping my voice professional. “Don’t tell me your friend didn’t like her gift?”

“I haven’t given it to her yet,” he said.

He reached across the counter to take my hand. Before I could pull away, he kissed my knuckles softly. “But I’m sure she’ll love it.”

I pulled my hand back. I tried to ignore the tingling feeling his touch left behind. “Please let her know that exchanges are welcome if it doesn’t fit or she doesn’t like it.”

“I’ll tell her that.” His smile became playful.

“Why so formal? You don’t need to call me ‘sir.’”

“What should I call you then?” I asked.

“Joseph,” he said simply. “We’ve been through this before, haven’t we?”

“We have,” I said with a small smile.

“Good.” He grinned.

“I see you raised yourself well after all.”

“Actually, my mother gets the credit for that,” he said confidently. “Speaking of my mother, she pulled my ear and told me I had to apologize for how I acted the other day. So please accept my apology for being thoughtless and pushy.”

“You’re forgiven,” I said. I was surprised by how humble he was being. “Did your mother like her gift, by the way?”

“You won’t believe what happened.” He leaned against the counter, close enough that I could smell his amazing scent. “She liked the little prayer card you sent better than the actual gift.”

I burst out laughing. “You actually gave it to her? I was trying to annoy you!”

“Of course I did! You sent it to her.” He smiled. “But she was right – I did owe you an apology. And…”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small package. “I got you something.”

“You bought me a present?” I asked, genuinely surprised as I accepted the package.

“Consider it part of my formal apology.”

I opened it to find a small box containing a beautiful purse keychain.

“It’s beautiful, Joseph. Thank you,” I said, genuinely touched by the thoughtfulness.

“There’s also a card,” he added, producing an envelope from his pocket.

The outside read in elegant handwriting: “Sorry about being rude the other day, but you were the one who was wrong.”

I laughed at his audacity and opened the envelope. Inside was a prayer card similar to the one I’d sent his mother. On the back was written: “I’m a complete idiot. Maybe I need more people besides my mother praying for me. I’m sorry for my attitude.”

“How sweet! I’ll pray for you daily,” I teased. “Your handwriting is quite nice.”

Before Joseph could respond, the store door opened, and Eleanor and Caroline walked in, both looking surprised to find Joseph there.

“Boss, are you redecorating your wardrobe?” Eleanor asked sarcastically.

“Are you two following me?” Joseph shot back with a grin.

We chatted for a few minutes before the girls invited me to lunch later that week and a night out on Saturday. I exchanged numbers with them, and they left with knowing smiles, but Joseph lingered.

Just as he opened his mouth to say something else, Cybele and Cynthia finally returned from their “quick snack,” their makeup freshly applied and coffee cups in hand. Cybele’s eyes immediately locked onto Joseph like a heat-seeking missile.

“Well, hello there,” she purred, sliding between us. “Can I help you with something? Ava is terribly slow with customers.”

“No thanks,” Joseph replied coolly. “Ava is perfect.”

He gently took my elbow and guided me toward the lingerie section, leaving Cybele gaping after us.

“So,” he said once we were out of earshot, “thank you for the compliment about my handwriting.”

“You’re welcome,” I teased.

“You know what would make me even happier?”

“Maybe.”

His smile became playful. “I noticed you made dinner plans with the girls. Why not go out with me alone instead?”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because we’re friends now,” he said smoothly. Then he looked at a white lace bodysuit on display. “Wow, that’s really pretty.”

“It is gorgeous,” I agreed. “Made with French lace and tulle. See how delicate the details are?” I carefully lifted the hanger to show him.

Joseph’s eyes darted from the bodysuit to me, then back again.

He pulled out his credit card with a sly smile. “Please wrap one in your size for me.”

“I think you’d need a much larger size, Joseph,” I countered with a smirk.

“Very funny!” He laughed without shame. “It’s for my friend in the dress.”

“Mmm, is this friend going to become a girlfriend?” I couldn’t believe I was flirting with him so openly.

“Maybe.” He winked. “And I still want you to go out to dinner with me.”

I took his card and the bodysuit to the register, making a pretty package while he watched. Secretly, I slipped in a note that read: “I’m running away from problems…”

“It was a pleasure serving you again,” I said professionally, walking him to the door.

Joseph took my hand once more, pressing a lingering kiss to it. “This isn’t over, Ava Flynn,” he murmured before leaving with a wink.

Through the storefront glass, I spotted Nina at the makeup store across the way, watching the entire exchange with an enormous grin. Great, I’d have explaining to do later.

Nina’s POV

I was just finishing with a customer when I spotted him through our store window-Joseph Garcia, the guy Ava had been telling me about all week.

The notorious playboy Alpha of Nightbane Pack was standing across the mall walkway, staring into the clothing store where Ava worked like a lovesick puppy.

My wolf Cleo started prancing around excitedly in my head.

“Look at him,” Cleo whispered in my mind. “He’s completely smitten with her.”

I smiled. “You’re right. This is going to be fun.”

Joseph was tall and imposing in his tailored suit, looking every bit the powerful businessman he was. The kind of man who could have any woman he wanted, yet here he was, pining after my stubborn friend who kept pushing him away.

I quickly texted Ava: “Your Alpha stalker is here. Don’t look now. Act natural.”

Then I decided to have a little fun. After all, Ava deserved someone good after what that asshole Isaac did to her. And this Alpha had actually rescued her from Isaac, even if he didn’t remember me being there that night. He’d been so focused on Ava he probably hadn’t noticed anyone else existed.

I put on my best customer service smile, and crossed the mall to where Joseph stood.

“Looking for something special, sir?” I asked, trying not to laugh at how he jumped.

Joseph turned, his eyes narrowing as he studied me.”No, I was just-“

“Just checking out my best friend through the window?” I finished for him, arching an eyebrow.

His expression changed from surprise to worry. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you don’t,” I said, crossing my arms. “Listen, I could call security and report you for stalking,or you could come into my store and actually buy something instead of just hanging around outside.”

Joseph’s jaw tightened. “I was planning to buy my sister a gift.”

“Oh please,” I snorted. “I’ve been watching you watch her for fifteen minutes. At least be honest if you want my help.”

“Your help?” His eyebrows shot up.

“I’m Nina,” I said, extending my hand. “Ava’s best friend and now your fairy godmother if you play your cards right.”

He hesitated before shaking my hand. “Joseph Garcia.”

“I know exactly who you are,” I said with a smirk. “Alpha of Nightbane, CEO of Puma Global, and the guy who saved my friend from getting hurt by her asshole ex-boyfriend.”

His eyes widened slightly. “You were there?”

“You were too busy playing hero to notice me,” I said. “Now, do you want intel on Ava or not? Because the price goes up depending on how much you’re bothering her.”

“I’m not bothering-” He stopped himself and sighed. “Fine. Yes, I’m interested in Ava. And there’s no budget limit as long as you don’t try to sell me the entire store.”

I grinned. “Oh, you have no idea how expensive good makeup can be.”

Twenty minutes later, I had assembled the perfect makeup collection in Ava’s color palette-everything she’d ever need but was too frugal to buy for herself.

“So she really works full-time at that clothing store?” Joseph asked as I added another palette to the growing pile.

“Yeah, even though she has a business degree,” I said. “That bastard Isaac really did a number on her confidence. Cheated on her with her coworker.”

Joseph’s expression darkened. “What kind of idiot would cheat on Ava?”

“The kind who deserves to have his car keyed,” I said cheerfully. “Which may or may not have happened.”

That actually got a laugh out of him. “I like your style, Nina.”

I started ringing up his purchases, secretly texting Ava to take her break in two minutes.

When the total came up on the register, Joseph blinked. “There must be some mistake.”

“Nope,” I said, popping the ‘p’. “That’s what happens when you buy the best for someone special. Twenty-eight thousand, seven hundred and forty-two dollars and sixteen cents.”

The color drained from his face. “That can’t be right.”

“Premium cosmetics, Alpha,” I said sweetly. “Shall I put something back?”

“No. Run the card.”

As he signed the receipt with a slightly trembling hand, I spotted Ava walking toward the food court.

“She’s leaving for her break,” I said. “If you hurry, you might accidentally bump into her.”

Joseph looked like he was torn between strangling me and thanking me. He handed me his business card. “Have this delivered to my office. And call me-I think I want to offer you a job.”

“A job?” I blinked in surprise.

“You just sold me thirty grand of makeup without me putting up much of a fight,” he said with a wry smile. “I need someone like you in my marketing department.”

I watched in amusement as Joseph hurried after Ava, “accidentally” bumping into her and pretending to be surprised to see her. The man was shameless, but I had to admit, they looked good together.

The next morning, I decided to take him up on his job offer. When I walked into the Puma Global building, I nearly fell over. The building was huge and impressive.

The receptionist directed me to the top floor.

“I have a delivery for Joseph Garcia,” I said, holding up the shopping bag.

The elevator doors opened again, and Eleanor walked in, looking stunning in a designer suit.

“Nina, right?” she said with a bright smile. “We met at Ava’s store!”

“That’s right,” I replied, surprised she remembered me.

She eyed the makeup bag with curiosity. “Is that what Joseph bought? My Goddess, he’s got it bad.”

“Twenty-eight thousand dollars worth of bad,” I confirmed.

Eleanor’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding! Oh, this I have to see. Come on!”

She led me into a big corner office where Joseph was looking at his computer.

“Joseph, you have a visitor,” Eleanor announced.

He looked up. “Ah, the little extortionist herself.”

“Extortionist?” Eleanor repeated with delight.

“Eleanor, this is Nina. Nina, this is Eleanor, my assistant. Nina here convinced me to spend almost thirty thousand on makeup yesterday, and apparently I also offered her a job.”

“I think I need to hear this whole story,” Eleanor said, gesturing for me to sit.

We told Eleanor how we met. She laughed so hard she cried, especially when I mentioned how Joseph kept staring at Ava.

“Nina, I absolutely love you,” she declared. “Joseph needs someone who won’t take his Alpha bullshit. When can you start?”

“I’d need to give two weeks’ notice at the cosmetics store,” I said, still stunned that this was actually happening.

“Done,” Joseph said decisively. “Eleanor will handle the paperwork. Welcome to Puma Global, Nina.”

As I left his office with a job offer that tripled my current salary, I couldn’t help thinking that playing Cupid was turning out to be quite profitable.

And I was just getting started with Operation Get-Ava-A-Hot-Alpha-Boyfriend.

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