Chapter 32

Ava

I hadn’t expected to see Leonard here, of all people. As he turned to face us, that familiar stoic expression on his face, a rush of gratitude washed over me.

“Leonard,” I breathed, taking a step forward. “It’s so nice to see you. I didn’t realize you were the one Chris had chosen as his Beta.”

A faint smile played over the older man’s lips, haloed by a neatly-groomed beard of stubble. “Indeed. The Alpha has honored me with the position,” he said, looking over and nodding politely at Chris.

Chris inclined his head respectfully to the older man. “As I’m sure you’ll agree, Ava, Leonard’s experience and even temper made him the ideal candidate. I have no doubt he will serve the pack well.”

“I agree.” I couldn’t help but smile. Leonard had always been a kind man, although he had suffered a tragic past. His wife, Ellie, had unfortunately passed about a decade back. They had never had any children, and he had become a bit of a recluse since then—mostly focusing on his thriving farm rather than taking part in the more social aspects of the community.

But he had always been honorable, and loyal to his pack, despite everything. I had always respected that. I had always admired it, too.

Chris patted my shoulder, pulling me out of my reverie. “I’m glad you agree, Ava,” he said, crossing around the desk and placing the orange down. “I was hoping to get your approval before I officially appointed Leonard as Beta, but it seems you approve.”

“I do.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest as I looked at the two of them—the young, confident Alpha, and the seasoned older man who had stood steadfast through so much turmoil over the years. Leonard, who was ten years older than me, had been one of the only pack members to defend me against Olivia and Ethan’s cruelty; he had risked exile to speak up for what was right.

“You know, I wanted to say thank you,” I said softly, meeting Leonard’s cool blue-eyed gaze. “For that day, when you stood up for me against Olivia and Ethan. I don’t know that I ever properly thanked you for that.”

Leonard waved a dismissive hand, his palms calloused from years of working on his farm. “There is no need. I would have stood against their unjust treatment even if the true Alpha had not arrived, banishment be damned.” His weathered eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled at me. “You deserve respect, Ava. Far more than those who mistreated you.”

I felt my cheeks warm at his words, suddenly flustered beneath the weight of his sincere compliment. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Chris’s jaw tick ever so slightly.

“Well,” Chris said somewhat briskly, seeming to shake himself from whatever thoughts had momentarily consumed him. “Now that you’ve met and approved of the new Beta, perhaps we should get to work. I have some matters I was hoping to discuss in regards to who will be chosen for the new Alpha when I leave—”

Leonard arched an eyebrow. “Actually, if you have a moment, I was hoping to invite you two to tour my farm instead.”

There was a brief silence. Chris glanced at me, although whether he was seeking approval or searching for something else, I couldn’t be sure. “Your farm?” I asked.

Leonard turned to me with a twinkle in his eye. “I’ve been working on a new, higher-quality variety of wolfsbane that can only be properly cultivated in our world. I think you both would find the greenhouse fascinating; especially you, Ava, with your obvious background in horticulture.”

He nodded his head toward my basket of oranges, and it was only then that I noticed the light dusting of dirt across my knuckles as I gripped the wicker handle. I quickly wiped my hands on my dress, although I knew it didn’t matter.

Still, I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of touring Leonard’s farm with Chris in tow. “You want to take Chris to see your farm?” I teased. “You should know he hated going to any of the village farms as a child. I can still remember how he would get so grumpy about the smell of livestock and fertilizer.”

To my surprise, Chris simply shrugged, seemingly unruffled. “I’m not a child anymore. I’m sure I can handle a simple farm tour without my nose wrinkling up.”

Leonard chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. “Is that so? Well, in that case, perhaps you would both like to accompany me now. Get it over with, as they say.” He cast a pointed look at the basket I still carried. “You did grow those yourself, didn’t you?”

“Oh!” Without a second thought, I reached into the basket and pulled out one of the bright fruits, offering it to Leonard. “Here, I would be happy to share one with you. As thanks for—” I hesitated, my cheeks warming again. “Well, just as thanks.”

Leonard accepted the orange with a gracious nod. “You’re too kind. But I appreciate the gesture.”

With the matter settled, the three of us began to make our way out of the Packhouse and in the direction of Leonard’s farm on the edge of the pack. It wasn’t a long walk, and seeing how it was a warm and breezy day, it was quite pleasant.

I walked in the middle of Chris and Leonard, chatting with Leonard about anything and everything—his farm, my garden, my wine-making hobby, general pack matters. It was nice to chat with someone closer to my age, after all.

But the whole way to the farm, an odd sort of tension seemed to fill the air, one that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Chris remained unusually quiet, keeping pace beside Leonard and me with his hands shoved into the pockets of his trousers.

The sun was high in the sky by the time we had arrived at the farm. Up ahead, at the top of a rolling hill of grass, I could make out Leonard’s cottage.

It was a small stone house with a mossy roof, a path between two large apple orchards leading up to the wooden front door. The scent of cows filled the air, that sweet scent of feed and manure that always filled me with a strange sense of peace. It was idyllic, like something out of a painting.

But we hadn’t quite made it halfway up the path yet when Chris’s phone began to buzz in his pocket. Pulling it out, he frowned at the screen before exhaling a heavy sigh.

“My apologies,” he said, turning to Leonard and me. “It seems there’s an urgent matter that requires my attention. I’m afraid I’ll have to take a raincheck on the farm tour.”

Leonard nodded in understanding. “Of course, Alpha. We’ll go on without you.”

“Thank you for understanding.” Chris hesitated for the briefest moment, almost as if he wanted to say something more. But then the moment passed, and he simply turned and briskly strode away, leaving Leonard and me alone together.

“Well then,” Leonard said, turning toward me with a smile once Chris’s form had faded into the distance. “Shall we?”