Chapter 114

Grayson’s POV

“I seriously don’t know what your problem is, you royal asshole,” I ground my teeth in irritation, cutting Isabella off. “I’m not in the mood for this today.” I ended the call, wondering why I’d even answered. After I’d let Ava go, Elaine had shaken her head, staring at me as if she finally saw the monster everyone else had always perceived. I’ll admit, her judgmental look—those eyes full of condemnation—hurt more than I cared to admit. But, as usual, I numbed the pain, shut it out. By the time I returned to my study, I was too exhausted to feel anything. Liam was gone; his glasses sat abandoned on the desk. I sank into the chair, not knowing what to do. So I sat. Staring.

I don’t know how long I sat there, but eventually, my phone rang, slicing through the suffocating silence. Isabella’s voice blared through before I could answer, and I immediately regretted giving her my number. My regret intensified as the incessant ringing continued.

Finally, I answered, frustration and anger radiating from me. “What do you want?”

She matched my tone, sharp and angry. “Don’t yell at me, Grayson. I don’t know what the hell you’ve done again, or why I’m even bothering to tell you this, but Ava just left… with a man. I don’t know where they’re going.”

A deep, primal growl escaped me, my body tensing as if ready to spring into action. “Why didn’t you try to stop her? Isn’t she your best friend?” I snapped.

“I did try to stop her,” she spat, her voice thick with anger. “But she practically shoved me aside and left. This is your fault, again. So, get off your high horse and use your resources to find her before she does something you’ll both regret. Because right now, she’s drunk.”

Her words hit me like a punch. For a moment, I felt unmoored. My body propelled me toward the door, but I forced myself to stay put. My voice was cold, detached. “Ava is a grown woman. She can face the consequences of her actions.”

“You have got to be kidding me,” was her last retort before I hung up, my anger flaring.

My wolf growled, his frustration reaching a boiling point. For the first time in ages, I snapped back. “Shut the hell up! Enough about her!”

He emitted a low groan, almost a retreat, but I could still feel his displeasure, his frustration coursing through me. I sighed, muttering a curse under my breath. I grabbed my jacket and keys, leaving the study without another word.

“I didn’t mean to yell at you,” I muttered, but only silence answered—the kind that said he was there but furious. Fine, let him join the damn list.

I dialed Isabella again, but she ended the call before I could speak. My jaw clenched. I tried again, a third, fourth, and fifth time, only to be ignored. I let out a frustrated breath, swallowing my pride. There was only one other person who could help.

I dialed Rickon. He answered on the first ring.

“I knew you’d give in eventually,” he smirked. “Stop pretending you don’t miss me.”

I ground my teeth. I’d never get used to Rickon’s antics, but I ignored his comment, focusing on the task at hand. “Do you know where Isabella is? The exact bar?”

Rickon’s voice became serious, though still playful. “I don’t know about you, but I do know a thing or two about boundaries and personal space. I don’t track people all the time.”

“Rickon,” I warned, my voice sharp. He sighed loudly.

“Fine. I’ll get her location from the guys I have tailing her and send it to you.”

“Right now,” I demanded.

“Of course, your highness,” he snarked before hanging up.

I breathed deeply, my temper still simmering, but there was nothing I could do about it now. Rickon always pushed my buttons, but I needed him. Seconds later, my phone lit up with a message. I read the location quickly.

I didn’t hesitate. I slammed my foot on the accelerator, pushing the car to its limits as I navigated the streets. My mind raced. She could have already left, but if she was still there, I could track her scent. I had to get there in time, make sure she was safe, and, more importantly, I needed to fix this.

The thought of losing Ava, of everything I’d destroyed in one night… it burned. A pit formed in my stomach, gnawing relentlessly. I wasn’t thinking clearly, but there was no room for hesitation.

The road blurred as I pushed the car harder, the engine roaring. My hands gripped the wheel, knuckles white. Each streetlight flashed by like a streak of fire, the world spinning faster than my mind could process. Isabella’s words echoed: Ava had left. With a man. Drunk.

I cursed under my breath. Panic clawed at my chest, but I forced myself to focus. I had no idea where she was going, who she was with, or how much damage had already been done. All that mattered was finding her.

The final street loomed, the one leading to the bar. I was close. Closer than I wanted to be.

Then, as the bar came into view, a familiar scent hit me—Ava’s. Sharp, overpowering. My foot slammed on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt as I threw open the door.

I moved fast, instinct taking over. Her scent was stronger, guiding me. I turned a corner and froze.

There she was, but it wasn’t just her. My eyes scanned the scene, landing on a man lying on the ground before I even saw his face. Blood pooled beneath him, dark and wet against the pavement.

Ava was trembling. Her hair was disheveled, her face pale, streaked with tears. Her hands trembled as she wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself.

Then, as if sensing my presence, her head snapped to the side. Our eyes met, and everything inside me twisted.

“I didn’t… he tried to…” Her voice cracked, and she took a shaky step back, her breath ragged. “I didn’t mean to kill him.”