Chapter 142

Grayson’s POV

The silence was deafening, broken only by the fire's crackle. Ricardo's gaze, heavy with his Alpha aura, dared me to waver, but I remained impassive. This wasn't about pride; it was about my pack, my throne. An alliance with Ricardo invited chaos. He was unpredictable, manipulative, and utterly twisted.

But he was right. War was coming. My wolf sensed a devastating conflict that threatened not just my throne, but everything.

"I'll send the papers to make it official."

The words released no tidal wave of regret, only a strange clarity laced with frustration. Aligning with Ricardo was my last resort. I disliked him, and likely always would. Yet, I'd already done so many things I swore I never would.

Like Ava.

Her name was a forbidden melody, intruding at the worst moments, despite my efforts to block her from my thoughts.

Rickon's sharp, mocking laugh broke my reverie. "And just like that, you lost it?"

Ricardo chuckled, his expression smug. "The most unbelievable things happen to me. Truly, legendary."

This was the fallout from my declaration fifteen minutes prior. I shouldn't have put them in the same room. Ricardo leaned back, at ease. "Jerome, however, wasn't pleased, so I gave him Anastasia for a week."

The same Anastasia involved in Jerome's foolish plot?

They shared a woman?

"Who is Anastasia?"

My question was immediate, and instantly regretted. Their grins confirmed my blunder.

Ricardo smirked. "Anastasia, my tiger. Jerome is fond of her, so we share her." He added, with a knowing glint, "And yes, we share women occasionally. I'd ask if you were interested, but you look like you'd attack anyone who glanced at Ava. Poor Luca, may the goddess rest his soul."

My fists clenched, but my expression remained neutral. Ricardo wasn't finished.

"How is she, by the way?" he asked casually, the mockery blatant.

Before I could rebuke him, Rickon, enjoying himself immensely, asked, "Who's Luca?"

Ricardo's grin sharpened. "Ah, Luca. I hired him to kidnap Ava to get Grayson's attention. Let's just say it didn't end well for Luca. Message received loud and clear: Ava is off-limits."

Ava's name drummed in my head, drowning out all else. My temper snapped.

"Stop talking about her!" I shouted, leaping to my feet. "Shut up! I don't even know why I'm still here."

Rickon, unfazed, leaned back. "Actually, this is the perfect time. Yes, I know I'll get glares and threats, but shouldn't you call her? Or at least take her call? Isabella said she's worried sick. At the very least, wish her a happy birthday."

I froze. "It's Ava's birthday today?"

Rickon shook his head, exasperated and amused. "No, tomorrow. She's throwing a ball at your estate."

A ball. At my estate. For her birthday. I hated being blindsided.

"Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

Rickon met my glare. "Don't blame me. I'm not the one who lied to his Luna, ignored her, went missing, and refused to speak to her."

His words hit hard, forcing me to confront the truth. Initially, distancing myself protected her. But after Alaric, the fear of what I might have to do—of losing her—paralyzed me.

With Ava, I was always out of my depth. I needed to fix this.

I stood to leave, but Ricardo, unusually quiet, spoke.

"You're not seriously planning to fly back without a grand gesture, are you?"

I stopped.

Ricardo smirked. "Do you really know nothing about women? You've royally screwed up, and you keep digging. You can't just show up."

Rickon agreed. "A simple apology won't cut it. You need to make it big."

"Like what?" I regretted the question.

Ricardo grinned. "Grovel. Publicly. Women love that."

Rickon laughed. "Or serenade her. Grayson the big bad Alpha King, under a balcony with a guitar."

I glared, but they laughed on.

"Oh, wait," Ricardo snapped his fingers. "A parade! A procession through the pack lands, declaring your undying devotion."

Rickon doubled over. "Don't forget the flowers! Millions! Cover the estate in roses."

"You two are idiots," I snapped.

Ricardo leaned back, unmoved. "We're just trying to help."

I left without responding. Their laughter faded as I exited.

I called Isabella, Ava's friend. She answered immediately, her voice sharp but amused.

"The king lives," she muttered sarcastically.

I ignored her jab. "How is she?"

My soft tone surprised us both. Silence followed before she spoke, more seriously.

"Why are you doing this to her, Grayson?"

Her question was a slap, and deserved.

"It's complicated," I admitted.

Isabella sighed. "Whatever it is, you'll push her away. Maybe that's what you want?"

Was it? It would be easier. If she left, I could focus on my true mate, breaking this curse. It was logical.

But I said, "No, I don't want that."

Losing Ava felt like losing my air, plunging into a void.

Isabella spoke softly, "Then maybe it's time to stop running from your feelings."

I ran a hand through my hair.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" she asked hopefully. "It would be the perfect day to make things right."

I hesitated.

She sighed. "Okay, then."

I stopped her. "Wait." More desperate than intended. "What gesture should I make this time?"

I expected a ridiculous suggestion, but she remained calm.

"I don't think you need a grand gesture this time."

I frowned. "Why not?"

She said, "Because even a blind person can see it. Lilian is in love with you."

Chapter 143