Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 254

Chapter 254: Chapter 254 Legal Protection

Ava’s POV

"I’ll send you the lawyer’s info in the morning," Joseph promised.

After Joseph dropped us off at Nina’s apartment, Nina immediately turned on me with questions. I wasn’t about to go home alone that night.

"Oh. My. God." She fanned herself. "That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. The way he just commanded that space and scared Isaac off? Pure Alpha energy."

"Don’t start," I warned.

"And you gave him your number!" She squealed. "After turning him down earlier today!"

"He’s going to send me information about a lawyer," I explained. I tried to sound nonchalant. "It’s not romantic."

Nina rolled her eyes. "Sure, that’s all it is. The way he looked at you? Trust me, that man wants more than to just help you with legal advice."

I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach at her words. "Even if that’s true, nothing’s going to happen. Guys like Joseph Garcia don’t date girls like me."

"What, beautiful, smart women who don’t fall at their feet?" Nina countered.

"Wolfless Omegas with complicated family histories," I corrected her.

Nina waved dismissively. "Details. The point is, he’s interested, and despite all your protests, I think you might be too."

I didn’t answer. As I got ready for bed that night, I couldn’t help checking my phone one last time. Joseph’s name stared back at me from my message list.

Joseph texted me the lawyer’s contact information in the morning. I stared at my phone. I was torn between calling now or waiting for my mother to return from Silver Creek. After a restless night thinking about the parking lot incident, I decided to wait for mom’s guidance.

"He is very persistent," I said to myself. I noticed another text from Joseph asking if I’d contacted the lawyer yet.

In the afternoon, mom finally returned from visiting Grandma Hilary. I helped her with her bags and waited until she settled in. Then I brought up the incident.

"Mom, something happened while you were away," I said. We sat at our kitchen table with our tea mugs.

Her eyes filled with concern. "What is it, sweetie?"

I explained everything. Isaac’s attack in the parking lot, his aggressive behavior, and how Joseph had helped me. When I mentioned Joseph’s lawyer recommendation, her expression changed.

"Joseph? Who exactly is this Joseph?" Her tone was suspicious.

"He’s the rude person I taught a lesson to at the store that day when I was buying a gift for grandma," I said. I felt my cheeks warm.

Mom studied my face carefully. "And this man just happened to be there when Isaac confronted you?"

"He was walking to his car and saw what was happening. He stepped in and scared Isaac off."

Mom’s fingers tapped against her mug. "And now he’s offering his personal lawyer?"

"He seems genuinely concerned," I said. Then I wondered why I felt the need to defend him.

"I see that look on your face, Ava," she said softly. "I recognize it."

"What look?"

"Interest. Attraction." She reached across the table and took my hand. "Friendship with someone like that is fine, but don’t let it become more. Wolves like him, especially Alphas, they don’t mix well with people like us."

I pulled my hand back. "I’m not interested in him, Mom. He helped me, that’s all."

"Just be careful. Men like that will only break your heart," she warned. "But yes, we should definitely call this lawyer. Isaac needs to be dealt with."

Within an hour, I called the lawyer’s office. I was surprised when the receptionist immediately recognized my name.

Mom’s posture stiffened beside me.

"I see," Mr. Winters nodded. "Well, my legal services are at your disposal regardless. Alpha Joseph has instructed me to handle everything, including my fees."

"That won’t be necessary," Mom said. "We can pay for the services ourselves."

"Mom," I started.

"We appreciate the help," she continued firmly, "but we don’t need charity."

Mr. Winters raised his hands. "Of course. I’ll prepare the paperwork and be in touch tomorrow with updates."

As we rode the elevator down, Mom’s disapproval was obvious in the silence.

"He seems very helpful," I finally said.

"Too helpful," Mom replied. "I’m grateful this Alpha helped you with Isaac, truly. But men like him don’t do favors without expecting something in return."

"Maybe he’s just nice?"

Mom sighed. "Ava, I’ve seen this before. These wealthy, powerful Alphas, they see a pretty girl and think she’s another conquest. They don’t understand boundaries or refusal."

"Joseph isn’t like that," I argued, then caught myself. Why was I defending someone I barely knew?

"All I’m saying is be careful," Mom said as we exited the building. "Keep your distance from him. I don’t want to see you get hurt when he loses interest or when his wolf decides it’s time to find his true mate."

I stared out the car window as we drove home. I thought about Joseph’s intense eyes when he confronted Isaac, the gentle concern afterward, and the way my skin tingled when he was near.

"I know what I’m doing, Mom," I said quietly. But deep down, I wasn’t sure that was true at all.