My Three Mates A Post Apocalyptic Love Story

Chapter 5 - Home

AVA - TWO DAYS LATER

I've been home for two days now. It's not been that bad. I've managed to keep myself busy with warrior training and even managed to get on patrols. Shelly came and got her things yesterday and invited me to move with her and Mark, but I declined. I would rather stay here at the house we grew up in and keep myself busy with the pack. I guess word spread about what happened. I've had a lot of she-wolves come up to me and let me know they are around if I need a shoulder. While the elders all say how shameful it was and they don't blame me for needing time but to really think about it before rejecting my mate, even if it means I need more time than most would consider reasonable.

In the beginning, I was so very mad, but now? I'm just hurt. I can feel the pain of the bond that was forming in my chest. I thought it would get weaker with time, but it just hurts more and I'm not sure how long it will be till I just can't take it anymore. I need to make a decision.I know he didn't do it on purpose. In fact, I'm pretty sure he just never thought he would find his mate, so there would be no consequences to his actions. In the end, that's why he didn't look for me. I guess my decision is made so ... I guess I should just get on with it and get the number so I can call him.

I'll give him another chance to try and fix things and this time I'll also put forth the effort needed. If he truly meant what he said about only wanting me and knowing how big of a mistake he made.Who am I to go against the goddess? Taking a deep breath, I started towards the packhouse to ask Alpha Fred if he could help me find Alpha Alexander's number. It's pretty common knowledge that the Alpha's all keep a list of the other packs, and their Alpha's along with numbers just in case.

As I get closer to the packhouse I can see there are two SUVs parked out front that don't belong to our pack with three warriors that also aren't from our pack. Since I don't really pay attention to the comings and goings here, I guess that might not be too odd. I give a slight smile as I stroll by them and they nod in return. At least the pack doesn't seem rude, so that's a plus. As I walked through the doors I could see Alpha Fred coming towards me. He has been such a good Alpha. He is a tall man built like a tank with very kind eyes. He always had time for my sister and I after our parents died. He has that beach bum look almost with his tan skin and his blonde hair, it's never surprising to see him in just jeans and a t-shirt.

"Ahh Ava, I was just coming to get you, my dear. How are you doing? Beta Lee told me you have taken a more active roll in the pack since you came back. I also heard about the mess that happened. For that I am sorry, my dear."

"Thank you Alpha Fred. I have more free time than I know what to do with, so I poured myself into training and patrols...I hope that was OK?

"Yea, of course it is Ava. But the mess is why I was going to come and get you."

Nodding "You could have mind linked me, sir, I would have come. But that's also why I am here. I was going to ask if you could help me get Alpha Alexander's number. I needed to speak with his Beta ... about the mess."

Smiling down at me, he placed his hand on my shoulder. "Back to the subject, you won't need the number. It's why I was coming to get you instead of mind linking. Alpha Alexander is here to speak with you."

"To speak with me?" I whispered, suddenly feeling nervous. "Why would he want to speak with me?"

"Well, why don't we go see my dear? It must be important to him to come all the way here and take more time away from his pack." He said gently, placing his hand in between my shoulder blades to guide and support me.

As we entered my Alpha's office, Alexander stood and smiled at me, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. I'm not sure if it is due to the situation or if he just plain feels bad for his Beta. However, he is here now. My Alpha guides me to the seat across from Alexander.

"Hello Ava, I'm sorry for just showing up like this. I hope I didn't startle you."

"Startle Ava? Nahhh she is a strong one, her and Shelly both. But I will give you two some privacy. I know this is a delicate situation. Ava you'll be ok?"

"Yes, thank you Alpha Fred. I appreciate it. No, Alpha Alexander, you didn't startle me. I am just confused as to why you are here, that's all."

"Well, I came on behalf of Jack and his horrible mess."

"OK with that, I will leave you two to it. Ava, if you need anything I will be right outside, OK?" With that, Alpha Fred departed the room, leaving us alone.

"Ava, I know this isn't ideal and I know how bad of a mess Jack made....but he is a good man, even if he is stupid. We all tried to tell him that a chosen mate wouldn't be the same as his real mate, but he just couldn't fathom anything other than just that moment. I wish I could tell you everything would be OK."

Watching him, I can see the sincerity in what he is saying to me and I do understand. Of course it probably helps that I was coming here to call him, anyways.

"You must really think highly of Jack to come all the way here to try and speak to me about this."

"I have known Jack his whole life and while his personal decisions are questionable, he has always been there for me and the pack. I wish I could tell you I understood why he did the things he did. But from experience with my own pack members who have been in similar situations, I understand exactly the position it puts you in. Worse of all, he is the Beta of the pack. I can only imagine the embarrassment it would cause you to come into the pack knowing what you do."

I couldn't help but relax a little, knowing that at least his Alpha understood. I couldn't help but smile a little.

"Thank you for understanding, I feel like if he was anything but the Beta it wouldn't be so hard. You know?"

"I do understand that" he said, nodding and sitting back in his chair.

"It's just that ...you know she is from that pack. Your pack. Everyone knew she was with Jack and then there is me and, because of that, now she has been displaced because of me."

"Let me interrupt that thought, Ava. She has not been displaced. She was moved to where she should have been to begin with from the get go. Not only that, but no one likes her and I swear most of the pack rejoiced when they found out jack found his mate and it wasn't her. No one can figure out the hold she had on him or why he went against the rules and moved her onto the beta floor knowing she shouldn't be there. Ava, no one likes her. She leaves a lot to be ...... desired. As a person, much less as the beta female. Jack hasn't left the Beta floor since we got back. He says he needs to make sure that nothing is left of her in your home. He has been replacing everything and painting. He says everything needs to be perfect for you if you decide to come home with him and I can't deter him at all. He is adamant. So please, Ava, come back with me and give him a chance. You can even stay on the Alpha floor Izzy and I have already discussed it. She prepared a room for you just incase."

"So no one even liked her? They won't care that I just came in and "replaced" her?" I asked hopefully because, honestly, that's what's been holding me back the most.

"No, Ava, no one cares. They were happy he finally broke up with her. You have no idea, Ava, you made a very big impression in the short time you were with him. I normally wouldn't involve myself like this except to give advice. But in this case, it's important to me as well, not only because Jack is like a little brother, but because we all need you, Ava. I would really be honored if you would give it a try. I even swear if you can't take it I will bring you back myself. Now it won't be easy, but I swear to you I will do everything in my power to make sure nothing happens to you, even if that means banishing Maria. But that's only if she tries to do something you understand?"

Smiling at him, I nodded my head. I'm so unbelievably happy he came. He helped to put my fears to the side. Being an Alpha, I know the odds of him lying to me are slim to none. I can do this. I want to do this, I have to give this a try.

"OK, Alpha Alexander, I will do it. I will give it a try. Is it really OK for me to stay on the Alpha floor? At least for the first few days?"

"Absolutely, Izzy will be very excited to have you with us! Thank you so much for giving Jack a shot."

We both smile at each other so brightly we both chuckle. "Can we stop at my house? I need to grab my things."

"Of course we can, Ava."

We both stood up and headed towards the door. When I opened the door, true to his word, Alpha Fred was standing there waiting.

"Everything OK?" Alpha Fred asked, looking back and forth between us.

"Yes, everything is perfect. I am going to go with Alpha Alexander to his pack and try to work things out with Beta Jack. Can you keep our house open just in case?"

Alpha Fred pulls me into a fatherly hug smiling. "Of course, Ava, it will always be your home. I will take care of it personally. I'm glad you have decided to give this a chance. It's a bad situation but I have seen worse. You are strong Ava. If anyone can do this, it's you. Never forget that, OK? We are always here. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me. Ok?"

"Thank you Alpha. I will miss you all."

"Take care of yourself, Ava. Alpha Alexander take care of our girl, OK? We all had a little bit of a hand in raising her and her sister. They mean a lot to us all."

"No worries, Alpha Fred, I give my word no harm will come to her."

They nodded at each other and we headed out of the packhouse towards the SUV. One of the warriors opened the back door for us to get in and the Alpha told them we had to make a stop at my house. I guided them to it and went in so I could gather my things. Which didn't take long considering I had already decided I wanted to try and make this work. The Alpha coming just made me feel more secure in the choice. After gathering my things up, I took one last look at my childhood home and left, closing the front door behind me for what hopefully would be the last time. The Alpha walked up to me as I came down the porch steps.

"Are you ready? Here let me get that." He said as he took my bags from me and a warrior opened up the back hatch for him.

"I am thank you. Let's blow this popsicle stand." I said, smiling as he started to chuckle.

"I think you will be just fine. Everyone is going to love you." He said as we got into the SUV.

I watched as the pack slowly disappeared. I waved to the patrols as we went by. In the past few days, I got to know many of them much better. I will miss my pack but I can't help but feel relief at the fact my mate wants me so much. He is trying to make my future home ready for me. I'm nervous but excited to see my new home.