Chapter 8: Reckonings and Resolutions

Avon's POV

I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the stack of documents before me. Try as I might, I could not focus on the mundane tasks that had once consumed my days. 

My mind remained firmly fixed on Carolina, my mate, and the turmoil that had so abruptly upended our lives.

It had been two days since she had left the safety of my estate, retreating back to the familiarity of her home in Los Angeles. I had tried, time and time again, to reach her, to plead with her to return to me. 

But my calls had gone unanswered, my messages left in limbo. The ache in my chest grew with each passing hour, a constant reminder of the bond that tethered us together.

A soft knock at the door drew my attention, and I looked up to see Reino, my best friend and confidant, fuming.

I felt a wave of relief. Finally, someone I could talk to, someone who might be able to offer some guidance.

"Avon, what the hell is going on?" Reino asked, stepping inside. "You've been ignoring my calls for days. What did I do to deserve that? Not to talk of the pack work you've ditched."

I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. "It's Carolina," I admitted. "She... she left."

Reino's brow furrowed. "Left? As in, went back to LA? When?!" He asked, perplexed.

I nodded wearily. "Two days ago. Lisa and Tasha... they came and said some things... She just... I think she believed them. Because she said she needed time alone."

Reino let out a low whistle. "Damn. That can't have been easy for her."

"It wasn't," I confirmed, guilt weighing heavily on my chest. "I should have warned her about Lisa, about my past. But we barely even lived that long together."

"You're right, man." Reino settled into the chair across from me, his expression thoughtful. "I can't believe already telling Dahlia about Tasha. It seems too early?"

"Exactly! I felt like killing them when they showed up. I knew they weren't good news." I trailed off, the memory of Carolina's devastated expression still seared into my mind.

"Ouch." Reino winced. "No wonder she high-tailed it out of here. Those women can be ruthless."

"I've never felt so helpless... I couldn't harm them in front of her," I admitted, the words like ashes in my mouth. "And when I tried to explain, to make her understand, she wouldn't listen. She just... left."

Reino leaned forward, his gaze earnest. "You know, Avon, sometimes the best thing you can do is give someone the space they need. Carolina's been through a hell of a lot of upheaval lately. She needs time to process it all."

I nodded, though the thought of Carolina alone and hurting made my wolf howl with distress. "I just... I worry about her. About the baby. What if she does something reckless?"

"Hey, now." Reino's voice was firm. "Carolina's a smart woman. She's got her head on straight. And she's got people who care about her, like her family back there. She'll be fine."

"I should be the one taking care of her," I argued, frustrated. "She's my mate, my responsibility."

"And that's exactly the problem, isn't it?" Reino pointed out gently. "You're trying to claim her, instead of letting her come to you in her own time. Trust me, that's a losing battle with a woman like Carolina."

I opened my mouth to protest, but Reino held up a hand.

"Look, I get it. You're the Lycan King, used to having your way. But Carolina doesn't respond to commands and status. She needs to feel respected, cherished. That's the only way you'll ever earn her trust." He stated.

I sank back into the chair, a shaky sigh escaping my lips. "I just... I can't stand the thought of her being out there, alone and thinking I'm some irresponsible guy like Lisa said. And what if someone tries to harm her? You know, to get to me, finding out she's my mate?"

Reino's expression softened. "Well, then, why don't we do something about that?"

I looked up, hope flaring in my chest. "What do you mean?"

"We can have some of our men keep an eye on her, make sure she's safe." Reino leaned forward, a reassuring smile on his face. 

"At least that way, you'll know she's being looked after, even if she doesn't want to see you right now." He concluded.

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly. "That... that might work. I just want her to be okay." 

"I know, buddy." Reino reached over to give my arm a gentle squeeze. "We'll figure this out. Everything's going to be alright." He comforted me.

I nodded, feeling a small ember of hope ignite within me. "Thank you, Reino. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Just don't keep me out ever again, sucker." Reino chuckled, the sound easing some of the heaviness in the air. 

"And if it makes you feel any better, you can travel to LA and play the role of a 'mad stalker' to her. Just to keep an eye on things yourself, of course."

I paused for a minute and wondered why I never thought about it. I couldn't help the wry smile that tugged at my lips. 

"Rein, you bastard! Your head always thinks straight! I'm gonna take on that advice. I'm traveling to Los Angeles." I said.

"Suit yourself." Reino leaned back, his expression turning thoughtful. "Just don't do anything stupid, alright? Carolina's been through enough."

"I won't," I promised, already mentally preparing for the trip to Los Angeles. "I just need to make things right, somehow."

With a deep breath, I stood and headed upstairs to start packing. The journey ahead would be challenging, but I was determined to win back Carolina's trust, no matter what it took.

I could even finish the business we couldn't finish last time in the city. That is tracking that devilish man.

My wolf wouldn't rest until I had my mate and our child safe by my side once more.

"You can't escape me, little wolf." I smirked.