7.Secret

Ava's POV

“The weight of this secret felt heavy on my shoulders,” I thought to myself. “This isn’t as easy as I hoped. Why does it have to involve my family so much?”

Daddy looked at Mia and I, and seeing the discomfort on our faces, he dismissed us. "Ava, Mia, I think it's time for you two to head out."

We looked at each other and nodded. Daddy watched as Mia and I left the hallway into my room.

“Now that they're gone, let's get back to business,” I heard him tell his fellow wolfmen and they began to chatter.

Meanwhile, I got into the room with Mia, feeling utterly confused. “I don't know Mia. I don't think I can keep the secret of what I did that festival night from my Dad any longer. The guilt is killing me.” I fell to my bed, fed up. “What do I do?”

Mia then walked over to me and placed a gentle touch on my shoulder. “Ava, don't worry. Besides, I told you, it's not a big deal. As long as he's not someone from the Shadow Clan.”

If only Mia knew William was the one I spent the one-night stand with.

“Mia,” I try to tell her about William but the words got caught in my throat. I sighed. “Nevermind.”

Only goodness knew how she would react.

She hissed. “Ava, you worry way too much. Stop overthinking. You know what, why don't you have some sleep. You're working yourself up over nothing!.”

“No, I can't sleep. I feel like walking. I need some fresh air to take my mind off things.”

Mia laughed, then smiled at me considerately. “Whatever you say Princess Ava!”

I giggled quietly. “I told to stop calling me that.”

When we got to the garden, we sat under a large, majestic Oak tree. It's long branches provided a shade over Mia and I.

“The atmosphere is so calm,’’ I commented and Mia nodded.

She took in a deep breath and let it out, smiling. “It smells like flowers and nature. Such a nice shade. It's perfect!”

While Mia admired the sight before her, I contemplated if I should tell her about William or not. Finally gathering up the courage, I whispered to her, "Mia, there's something I need to tell you. It's about William, the Alpha of the Shadow Clan.”

She looked at me indifferently. “What about him?”

I leaned in closer, afraid someone might hear me. “Well…” I swallow ”...he's actualy the man I lost my virginity to that festival night."

Mia gasped in surprise, taking in the what I said. She could see the guilt and shame on my face, and knew that it must have been difficult for me to admit.

Mia reached out and took my hand, offering me support and understanding. "It's okay, Ava. You do not need to be ashamed of what happened. You must have been going through a lot of emotions at the time, and it is understandable since you weren't in your right mind."

I nodded, grateful for Mia's kindness and understanding. “Thanks for understanding Mia. I knew I could always rely on you to support me through this difficult time. I'm so relieved to have someone to confide in. But I’m worried.”

I paused and looked at Mia who was still processing what I said. “I don't think you can fully understand the depth of my emotions. You can't relate to my situation at all. I know you're just trying to be supportive.”

Mia, still in shock, turned to me and said, "Ava, I'm your friend. I may not relate to you but that doesn't mean I don't understand you. I'm only just finding it hard to accept that you and William had that kind of relationship."

Mia continued, "Well, I totally understand. William and Thomas are quite handsome too. I initially thought they were fierce ruffians, but it turns out they are unexpectedly attractive and wild. What we know about them is mostly untrue. I didn't expect to see such goodlooking wolfmen."

I smiled, feeling much better now that I've gotten that off my chest.

Mia turned to me and asked the unexpected: "How well did William ride you?"

She had a mischievous smile.

I felt my cheeks turn a bright shade of pink, and I looked down at the ground, embarrassed. "Mia, I'm not comfortable sharing that kind of information. That isn't something I would want to talk about openly."

Mia agreed. “You're right, Ava. Even I wouldn't share such information. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I was just, you know, curious."

I smiled. “It's ok, you don't have to apologize.”

The two of us heared faint sounds coming from under the tree.

“What was that?” Mia asked as we both scanned the area for any signs of danger. Luckily, there was nothing.

Mia looked around the area one more time. “There seems to be nothing but my instincts are telling me to stay alert.”

I also sensed the sudden tension and turning to Mia, afraid, I asked, “Mia, do you know what's causing the sound?”

Mia shook her head. “I'm not sure-”

Just then, a small squirrel scurried out from under the tree, causing the both of us to jump with fright.

“Thank goodness it's just a squirrel,” Mia said after we both let out a sigh of relief.

Soon, we bursted into a fit of laughter.

“I can't believe we were so terrified of such a harmless creature,” I told her between laughs.

William's POV

“I know that Ava is the Alpha of the Blue River Clan's daughter, but I won't let that stop me from trying to pursue her,” I told Thomas as we toured Robert's house side by side. “I’m really attracted to her beauty… her innocence… her naivety. Thomas, I’m drawn to her in a way that I just can’t explain. “

Thomas grinned knowingly. “But how are you going to win her over and prove that her feelings are genuine?”

I replied, frowning, “I know it's going to be challenging, but I’m more than willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself to her.”

I looked over at Thomas. “I am aware that I am older than Ava, and that I am an enemy to her dad, so I understand that Ava might be cautious around me. I know that our relationship is complicated, but I am ready to put in the effort to earn her trust and respect.”

Thomas and I later made our way back to our house.

On the way, he reminded me, “Remember to maintain some distance from Ava. Be careful and cautious around her, for her father is really powerful. He can't easily be reasoned with.”

“You're right Thomas,” I agreed. “The aura he displayed earlier clearly indicated his deep affection towards his daughter, and any attempt of interference from any Shadow Clan member in their relationship would be met with resistance and punishment.”

I added under my breath, “Despite these warnings, I can not help but think about you my dear she-wolf. Such remarkable beauty and calmness… I just can't resist.”

I smirked and said to Thomas, confidently, "Ava is my mate. I can feel it."

Thomas, tired of explaining to me, slapped his hands against his forehead. "You know she is already engaged. You fool! You can’t challenge her father. I'm starting to think this isn't worth it."

I countered his point, "You do not understand the power of love, Thomas. You do not understand how much I would do just to be with her. The risks are very muchworth it."

Thomas shrugged. “That her fiancé, Quill, he's Ava's long time lover. The wolves the Blue River Clan greatly cherishes him. Your ‘mate’ and her fiancé grew up together and they're extremely close.”

“I really don't care what you tell me my friend,” I replied to Thomas. “Ava is different from the women I've met during my sea adventures. I'm just worried that her loyal and fierce nature would make seducing her a difficult task.”

Thomas thought back, smiling, "Remember when we were just two young sailors, sailing from port to port, we had plenty of opportunities to meet and woo the ladies. We had a knack for swaying the ladies with our smooth talking and charming accents."

I added, nostalgically, “In that port of Rio de Janeiro, remember that adventurous young woman we met. What was her name? Abigail? Remember how she was such an expert yacht racer?”

My beta nodded. “Yes I remember her. She was so impressed with your tales of life at sea. And when you invited her to join us on our next voyage, Abigail laughed so much at your playful banter and quick. You really captivated her with your deep knowledge of sailing and navigation.”

I chuckled. “We enjoyed that flighty romance, exploring the exotic places and enjoying some fun adventures together.”

Thomas snapped his fingers. “Remember that beautiful Spanish woman, Maria? We met her on that voyage along the Mediterranean coast.”

“Oh Maria,” I smirked. “She had this passion for art and culture. My charm and wit had her swooning, but Thomas, you're passion for photography and appreciation for beauty made you the perfect companion for her.”

Thomas just replied with a chuckle.

“We spent a week exploring ancient ruins and admiring the art in museums together and Maria fell head over heels for me.”

I smirked again, cockily. “Then, there was the adventure we met a group of young college girls on spring break. They were looking for a wild and adventurous vacation. It was so easy how we agreed, and took the ladies on countless adventures. From snorkeling to whale watching. I noticed my charisma and charm had the women constantly blushing, and Thomas, who would have been a better guide? With your expert knowledge and abilities as a captain.”

Thomas laughed at the compliment. “The four of us had a really unforgettable week together. Really. Exploring the wonders of the ocean is enough to create memories that would last a lifetime.”

I looked at me Thomas. It had been long we thought back to our encounters in the sea. “We had really romantic adventures on our voyages didn't we?”

Thomas grinned. “Yes, indeed.”

Then suddenly, he looked at me and said, “However, this current attraction might just be the one to kill us. Robert can be even more hard-headed than you, William.”

I disagreed, “No one can be more hard-headed than me, Thomas.”

He nodded. “You're right. I know there is no changing your mind. All I can do now is to watch you pursue this disastrous path, wishing you all the best.”