31. Ava
Chapter 31
Ava
Turbulence jolts me from my sleep. I look out of the airplane window and see nothing but thick clouds all around us.
Another shake of the plane and I grip the armrest so tightly my knuckles go white like the bone might pop out of the skin.
“It’s alright, dear,” a gentle voice says beside me. I turn to see an older woman with kind eyes and silver hair. “Just a bit of rough air. It’ll pass soon.”
I nod, trying to calm my racing heart, knowing it’s not just the plane ride but my life. The last few days now feel like a dream—or maybe the start of a nightmare.
Leaving Seb in Italy was a wrench I had to do, but I have to face the past I’ve been running from if I’m to go back to him and face our future.
I hated seeing his face when I left him. Hated the fear I saw in his eyes. But I love him. He’s the only home I’ve known for years, and when I’m ready, I know we can storm ahead with our plans.
First, I have to make some visits, not only to deal with my past, but also to work out who Max Montgomery really is.
The plane drops suddenly. I suck in a sharp breath as the older woman places her wrinkled hand over mine. “Take deep breaths,” she advises. “In through your nose, and count to four and out through your mouth.”
I follow her instructions, finding comfort in the simple act of breathing.
“Thank you,” I murmur when the turbulence subsides and lean back in my seat, closing my eyes.
My mind drifts to Silas and Max. I know they’ll be looking for me. Or for this baby. Will they start the search when I’m due to give birth?
I can’t help but wonder what a life would be like with them. I hate even considering it. Especially when I know they’ll never change, they’ll try to control the baby, me, and I like my freedom.
But then there’s Lily. Perfect in so many ways. My heart is already aching at not seeing her.
I blink back tears as I tip my head back against the headrest and stare at the panels above.
Before I know it, the captain’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing our descent into Boston. And I don’t know if it’s anxiety or anticipation gripping my stomach.
My fingernails grip the armrests as the wheels touch down with a gentle bump.
“Time to get my life in order,” I mutter to myself.
As we taxi to the gate, the older woman pats my hand. “Do you have your passport stamped with an Omega Movement Visa?”
Garrett granted me full movement rights when he released me. Come to think about it, he gave me a lot when he let me go, but it never stopped my omega from feeling rejected by him.
I give her a small smile, touched by her kindness. “I do. Thank you,” I whisper as I shuffle out of my seat.
“And have you got someone picking you up from the airport?”
“My sister and her pack, but I’m a mated omega. I’m safe.”
“No omega is safe, dear,” she warns me. “I know.”
My eyes open wide and I take in her warning. “Oh, thank you.”
After taking my baggage, I make my way through the airport, my heart pounding harder with each step.
And then, as I enter the arrivals lounge, I see Ella, my sister, standing there with worried eyes scanning the crowd.
Our gazes lock, and suddenly I’m moving. All the fear, confusion, and pent-up emotion come crashing down on me at once. I rush forward, falling into Ella’s open arms, and finally, I let go.
Sobs wrack my body as Ella holds me tight, her hand stroking my hair. “Shh, it’s okay,” she murmurs. “You’re home now. You’re safe.”
And that’s when I feel a soothing emotion for the first time since I escaped, and it’s being sent through my bond. I gasp as I hold my hand over my heart and take the calmness Max is sending me, and for the first time in years, I feel wanted by an alpha and not rejected.
And I do something unexpected—I don’t reject it.
“It’s okay,” Ella whispers as I sink into her embrace and I allow myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, it might be true.
As Ella and I finally pull apart, I wipe my tears and notice a tall, muscular man approaching us.
“Welcome home, Ava,” he says with a warm smile.
“Hi Jake.”
He smiles, liking I remembered his name, no doubt. “Let me take care of your baggage.”
Before I can protest, he’s already lifting my suitcase with ease. Walker and Gabe, Ella’s two other alphas, join us, their presence commanding but not threatening.
“Ava,” Walker, the older of the two, says, “pleased to see you again. We’re so glad you’re here. Ella has been on a high since you called to let her know you were coming.”
Gabe nods, his eyes kind. “Let’s get you settled in. Our car is waiting.”
As we make our way through the airport, I can’t help but notice how they form a protective circle around Ella and me. It’s comforting, yet slightly overwhelming.
The drive to their home on the coast is filled with excited chatter from Ella.
I watch the city fade away, replaced by lush landscapes and eventually, glimpses of the ocean.
When we arrive at their mansion, my breath catches. It’s right on the beach, overlooking the Atlantic, grand and beautiful. As we enter, I’m struck by the warmth of the place, despite its size. “I love this house.”
“It’s perfect for our growing family,” Ella says, patting her tummy.
“No way.” My voice heightens as I rush to my sister, holding her close.
“Finally,” Walker grumbles.
Ella chuckles at Walker. “Oh alpha, you know you only wanted a happy omega.”
Walker strides to Ella and presses a tender kiss on her temple. “I do.”
She’s so lucky.
And I could tell her about my pregnancy, but I don’t want to take away her special moment right now.
“Why did you really come here?” Ella asks, as she starts to make dinner.
Ella’s pack helps and I can’t help but observe how her alphas interact with her. They’re attentive, respectful, and clearly adore her. It’s a far cry from the controlling alphas I’ve always feared, and the two I just escaped.
“I have a job in New York. It’s just a flying visit and then I have to get back to Seb.”
Ella sighs. “Really. I was going to ask you to come to Miami with me. Lottie is getting married, and she’s having a bachelorette party at her future husband’s club.”
My hand slams against my breastbone. “Was she sold to the Perez man?”
I remember seeing the conversation on my stepfather’s laptop when I hacked into it while trying to find out what else he was up to.
“I believe so.” Ella nods. “And Emmie is beside herself at the moment. She’s called me at least five times a day since she found out it was happening.”
My heart sinks. My twin sisters are so close. This is going to tear them apart.
“She’s desperate for me to go.”
“When is it?”
“In two weeks, and the wedding is a week later.”
“That’s really quick.”
“Tell me about it.”
I smile. “I’ll go. I’ll bring Seb with me.”
Ella shrieks. “He can join my pack while they pretend to not follow us.”
I chuckle as Ella tilts her head to one side. “Your scent is back.”
“Yeah. I’ll tell you about that another time.” I glance at Walker as he walks back into the room, and ask Ella, “Do you mind if I talk to Walker.” She’s my sister, but I still have to be respectful around her and her pack.
“Of course, Ava. I trust you with my life. You know that?”
I squeeze her hand. “I do. And me with you.”
A few minutes later, I find myself alone with Walker on the terrace. The sound of waves crashing against the beach fills the silence between us.
“So,” I begin hesitantly, making sure not to admit I read his emails, “tell me about your brother Max. Has he … has he been in contact with you at all?”
“He has.” Walker takes a deep breath. “Actually, there’s something you should know. Max calls Ella often to talk about you.”
My heart skips a beat. “What? Since when?”
“Since he saw the footage of Ella getting the award and you being on camera.”
I feel like the ground has shifted beneath my feet. All this time, I thought I was hidden, but Max knew where I was? In Monaco. In Majorca. He always knew, and so did Ella.
“That was ages ago. Why didn’t anyone tell me?” I ask in a raspy whisper.
“Ella knew you had something good with Seb and didn’t want to spoil it, and,” Walker places a gentle hand on my shoulder, “Max didn’t want it to sway your opinion. He wanted you on your own terms when you were ready.”
“That’s rich.” I burst out laughing. “He tricked me into taking a job. He did something that caused my heat to start. And despite escaping his island, he found me when I was in my heat and he and Silas—”
“Silas St. James?” Walker asks, surprised.
“Yes, why?”
“Max told me years ago that he knew Silas was his pack. Max was a loner until that day, and happy to not have a pack. And as Silas was married and Max wasn’t interested in his omega, he never pursued their pack, but they were always friends.”
I lean against the railing, trying to process this information. “His wife died.”
Walker nods his head. “I heard.”
“Max and Silas, are they a couple?” I ask, surprised I’d never worked it out.
“Emotionally, yes, they’ve always been close, but …” Walker chuckles. “Physically no. Just like I’m not in a relationship with Gabe and Jake, but we rally around each other like family. Max and Silas have always been family.”
“And Lily.”
“You met her?” Walker asks gently. “I haven’t seen her since she was a baby. Max is her godparent.”
I nod my head with watery eyes. “She’s a perfect little girl.” Clearing my throat as I look out at the darkening ocean, I ask, “What else don’t I know?”
Walker sighs. “I thought he rejected you years ago, but I’ve had a conversation with him and he told me everything.”
“What’s everything?”
“You really should have that conversation with Max.”
I shake my head. “He kidnapped me. I’ve just escaped his island. If he had anything to say to me, he had ample opportunity. And he did this.” I turn, hold up my hair and show my claiming mark.
“He claimed you!” Walker bellows.
I nod, suddenly feeling the weight of everything that’s happened. “So, as you can imagine, I’m not in a rush to talk to him.”
“I need to talk to my brother,” Walker says, his tone hard.
I turn to go inside. I pause. “Don’t tell him I’m here.”
He smiles warmly, but suddenly his lips drop at the edges. “He won’t let you go. You know that, don’t you?”
I nod. “That’s the reason I’ve avoided alphas.”
“You can’t avoid your destiny forever. Your biology won’t let you. And now he’s marked you.” He tilts his chin in the air for a moment, considering me. “Is he yours?”
“Do you think your brother would’ve claimed me if he wasn’t?” I retort.
Walker shakes his head. “He won’t let you go.”
I pat my tummy. “He doesn’t want me. He only wants what’s inside me.”
“Oh, Ava, you haven’t got a clue.”
“Walker.” I press my hands to my hips. “Max told me as much. I was there for nine months and then he was letting me go.”
Walker laughs. “I know how Max works. He’s not letting you go. But he hoped you’d want to stay.”