CHAPTER 241: CHAPTER 241 THE ROAD TO REDEMPTION

Joseph’s POV

I stared at the quarterly report without actually seeing it. My mind kept wandering to Ava and how badly I’d messed up. What possessed me to hook up with Sophia that night? Goddess, I was such an idiot. Now Ava won’t even look at me. Yesterday at Draven’s house, she bolted the second I arrived. That’s become our pattern lately; whenever our paths cross, she vanishes before I can say a word.

"Joseph! Hello? Are you even listening?" Eleanor snapped her fingers in front of my face, jolting me back to reality.

"Sorry, Elle," I straightened in my chair. "I zoned out again."

We were in my office at Puma Global. Eleanor had been briefing me on a major client meeting she’d covered for me yesterday. I’d been too hungover to attend. Another stellar decision from Joseph Warren, Alpha of the Silver Pack and supposed business genius.

"As CEO of this company, you need to get your head in the game. Otherwise, I’ll be running this place soon enough." Eleanor crossed her arms. "Actually, if this continues, I’m quitting."

"Maybe you should be CEO. You’d probably do a better job," I muttered.

"What are you saying?" She looked genuinely shocked.

"Exactly that. You could take over the company temporarily until I sort my life out," I explained the idea.

Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Then why don’t you hand over your pack to me too while you’re at it?"

"That’s not happening," I managed a weak smile. "Nate’s Starlight Pack is still waiting for you to become their Luna."

"Be serious for once," Eleanor’s expression hardened. "What kind of Alpha are you? Get your head straight and take control of your life. You need a day to wallow? Fine. But nothing more."

Dean, my wolf, growled in agreement. He was tired of my pathetic moping too.

"Elle, I still haven’t patched things up with Ava. It’s driving me insane," I confessed.

"Listen carefully," Eleanor leaned forward. "Weak wolves abandon their responsibilities. And she-wolves don’t respect weak males. If you want Ava back, prove you’re dependable. Look at yourself – unshaven, hair a mess, wrinkled shirt, crooked tie. I’m starting to wonder if you even shower anymore. This pit of self-pity is pathetic, and she’ll never forgive you if you keep this up."

Her words stung because they were true.

"What should I do? I don’t have energy for anything," I groaned, dropping my forehead onto the cool desk surface.

"First step, breakfast. You need actual food, not just whiskey," Eleanor grabbed my arm. "Let’s go. Now."

Thirty minutes later, we sat at Bella Vita, the upscale café near the office. Eleanor ordered enough food for four people – paninis, pastries, croissants, cappuccinos, and orange juice. She practically force-fed me while we talked.

"So, walking disaster," she asked between bites of her cheese croissant, "what exactly do you do when you’re not here pretending to work?"

"Lately?" I swallowed a mouthful of panini. "I drink. Either alone or at Ryan’s place. But before I start drinking, I usually stop by Draven’s to see Liam."

"That little boy is absolutely precious," Eleanor’s eyes softened. "Getting smarter every day too."

"He’s just like his father." A genuine smile crossed my face. "Draven was always the sharpest in our class growing up. Always quick-witted and charming. We’ve known each other since we were pups. Our parents’ packs had business dealings together."

I paused, memories flooding back. "After his parents died, he became this withdrawn, stressed workaholic. Until Caroline came along..."

"They’re incredible together," Eleanor smiled. "True mates finding each other against all odds."

"They really are," I agreed. "I envy what they have. Even with Caroline being scentless, they still found each other. They’ve overcome so much and now have this perfect little family."

"Just like you and Nate," I continued. "Your packs border each other. You’ve been together since high school, choosing each other. I wouldn’t be surprised if soon you two might be—" I stopped abruptly.Nate would kill me if I spoiled his proposal plans.

Eleanor’s head snapped up, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "We might be what?"

"Nothing," I grabbed my cappuccino. "And here I am, still alone. I finally had something good with Ava and I ruined it."

"That’s because you couldn’t keep it in your pants," Eleanor smirked. "Still trying to be the playboy Alpha. If you want an exclusive relationship, it means being faithful. You claim to envy Draven and Caroline, but their path was complicated too. In the end, love and loyalty brought them together."

"Loyalty? Is that all it takes?" I asked.

"Not just that," Eleanor sighed. "Relationships need respect, admiration, care, trust, and companionship. But for a notorious womanizer like you, learning fidelity should be priority number one."

I ran my fingers through my hair. "What about fated mates? Do you believe in that? If you suddenly met your true mate tomorrow, would you stay loyal to Nate?"

Eleanor’s expression darkened. "I would reject my fated mate for Nate. That’s my loyalty to him. But I wouldn’t interfere with his choice, even if it broke me. That’s my answer."

Dean growled disapprovingly. "Fated mates are sacred. You shouldn’t question that."

"I don’t care," I shot back mentally. "Your choice or my choice, I’d rather be with someone I choose to love."

Dean’s displeasure rumbled in my head. "You’re a fool."

Sensing Eleanor’s irritation, I quickly changed course. "Sorry, I understand. So tell me, how do I win Ava back?"

"Start by taking care of yourself," Eleanor reached across to straighten my tie. "Be the Joseph she first met – confident, put-together, in control of his life and pack."

"I get it," I nodded, staring into my empty cup.

"Good. We’re both taking today off. You need a complete makeover and new clothes. Tomorrow you’ll be back in that chair running your company like the Alpha you’re supposed to be. After that, I’ll help with Ava."

"You’ll really help?" I asked skeptically. "Not like you did with Draven?"

"What do you mean?" Her eyebrows furrowed.

"When Draven asked for your help winning Caroline back, you pretended to help while actually being her spy the whole time," I reminded her.

"Oh, that!" Eleanor laughed. "This is different. I believe you’re genuinely sorry. Besides, if you hurt Ava again, I’ll personally rip your balls off with my claws."

I winced. "Goddess, Elle, that visual hurts."

"Then don’t screw up again, you manwhore," she grinned wickedly.

We finished breakfast and headed out to implement Eleanor’s transformation plan. Part of me felt hopeful for the first time in weeks.