Chapter 182

Grayson’s POV

I never understood how someone as beautiful and caring as my mother could ever love my father. Frankly, I didn't understand how anyone could love him. He was a cruel man, through and through, yet I saw her deep love for him. She was his weakness. Perhaps that made the whole fated-mates concept seem more realistic. But despite her love, my father never let her lead a pack meeting. Anything that would make him relinquish even a sliver of power, he rejected. Unfortunately, I inherited that trait.

What I just did—giving Ava the authority to address my entire pack—is something I never thought possible. But then again, I'd never felt about anyone the way I feel about her. And I don't trust anyone the way I trust her. Not even Liam, strangely enough.

Speaking of Liam, irritation prickled at the back of my mind as I recalled not seeing him in the meeting hall earlier. I'd been very specific—everyone was to be present, with no exceptions unless they were outside the city. I'd let his previous betrayal—conspiring with Elaine behind my back—slide, but he was pushing my patience.

I called him. He answered immediately, but I didn't let him speak.

"And the reason you weren't at the meeting is?"

He sighed. "I got caught up in something, and by the time I was finished, it was too late. So I just went home."

"And you waited for me to call before telling me?"

"I was going to call once I finished dealing with something else."

"What else?"

Another sigh. "I know this is still sensitive, but it concerns Elaine. There was a complication, but she's fine now."

I leaned back, closing my eyes. "What happened?"

He laughed nervously. "It involved a lot of medical jargon I didn't understand, but she might have a complicated pregnancy. It's manageable, but she'll need constant monitoring. I'm sorry I didn't tell you beforehand."

His words hung heavy. Elaine was my only remaining family. I hadn't always shown her how much I cared—most times, I probably failed miserably—but I did care. If something happened to her… I couldn't imagine it. Elaine had flaws, flaws I'd helped create, but she was still my family. Maybe I needed to remember what that word truly meant.

"Is her life at risk? If she needs top medical treatment, I can have her flown—"

"She's going to be fine," he interrupted.

I paused. "Next time, inform me. You're my second-in-command, and with everything going on, I can't afford a single lapse."

"I apologize."

My hand hovered over the end call button when he spoke again.

"I really like Ava, but… maybe you should be careful about how much power you're giving her."

The line went dead.

I lowered the phone, irritation simmering. As if summoned, Ava appeared at my doorway with a first-aid kit.

"Hi," she said softly, smiling.

"Hi," I replied, smiling back.

She entered, her gaze steady. "The meeting just ended."

"Anything happen?" I asked casually, scrutinizing her for any sign of trouble.

She hesitated, then shook her head. "No, nothing interesting."

Her eyes drifted to my shoulder, and she frowned slightly. "How's the wound?"

I hadn't even thought about it. Shrugging, I said, "It's fine."

She tilted her head, amused. "It's time to change the bandage."

"Here? Now?" I raised an eyebrow.

Her smile widened as she stepped closer. "Do you remember the first day we met? During your… first session that never finished?" She set down the kit and moved beside me.

I leaned back, watching her adjust the box. "I remember."

"And you insisted I handle it here." She gave me a pointed look.

I slid my chair back. "And you're bringing that up because…?"

She laughed, brushing hair from her face as she leaned forward. "Just an observation."

I smirked, letting her work. She carefully removed items from the kit. After a moment, she looked up, her expression soft but curious. "I have a question."

"Go on," I said, watching intently.

"Back then, during your first session…" She paused, brushing my hair back. "Were you really going to pull your trousers down that day?"

A grin spread across my face. "No. I just wanted to rattle you."

Her cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. "Well, you succeeded. I have another question."

"Hmm?"

"Why did you ask me to leave your office right after we started? You barely gave me a chance before dismissing me."

I thought for a long moment. Finally, I said, "Because I realized… that I might not need any treatment after all."

Her eyes searched mine, understanding dawning before her face flushed crimson.

"Oh. Oh. Never mind," she mumbled, looking away.

I wanted to laugh at her adorable fluster, but she spoke again, regaining her composure.

"You're going to need to take off your jacket and shirt," she said firmly, though her voice trembled slightly.

Raising an eyebrow, I leaned back. "Are you trying to get me out of my clothes?"

She rolled her eyes. "Just take them off."

Smirking, I shrugged off my jacket and unbuttoned my shirt. As I tossed it on the table, I saw her fumbling with the supplies. When she turned, her blush deepened as her eyes briefly met my bare chest. Before she could move closer, I pulled her onto my lap. She squealed, her hands on my shoulders.

"What are you doing?" she demanded, still flushed.

"Helping you multitask," I replied, my voice low and teasing. "Now, change the bandage."

She huffed. "You're impossible."

"Maybe," I said with a smirk, "but you're still on my lap."

She sighed but didn't argue. She carefully unwrapped the old bandage, her touch light but deliberate. I watched her, her focus unwavering despite her earlier fluster. She was so close I could smell the faint scent of roses and strawberries on her skin.

After a few moments, she broke the silence. "You know, you used to be very intimidating."

"Used to be?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you're still scary," she admitted, glancing up. "But… less terrifying. To me, at least."

"Should I be flattered?"

Her lips twitched. "I'm not sure yet."

She dabbed at the wound, her movements precise. "You're also difficult," she added, teasing now. "And extremely annoying. Sometimes I wonder how I even fell in love with you."