An answer

Alpha Lorenzo Bianchi - POV

A mysterious smile crossed my face as I turned to look at him. “I am only returning the favor,” I told Gabriel before getting out of the car. I made my way to the back seat. As I gently lifted Ava into my arms, I heard the passenger door open and Gabriel step out. I closed the door behind me, And turned to face him.

“What does that mean?” Gabriel asked as I walked up to my front door. He opened it for me, curiosity etched across his face.

“I will explain later,” I replied, stepping inside. The familiar scent of my home enveloped me, but the urgency of the situation cast a shadow over my comfort. I made my way upstairs, entering the guest bedroom right next to mine. Carefully, I laid Ava on the bed, pulling the blanket up to keep her warm. I stepped back, my heart heavy as I gazed at her.

It had been years since I last saw her, and I almost didn’t recognize her if I hadn’t seen her driver’s license. Back then, she had a little more weight on her; her cheeks were plump with their rosy tint, and her eyes sparkled with life.

Now, the years had worn her down, leaving her a shadow of her former self. I moved closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling an overwhelming surge of protectiveness. Turning away, I walked out of the room, my heart aching.

“Are you going to tell me who she is?” Gabriel asked as I closed the door and turned to face him.

“Do you remember I told you about a girl I met on a plane a few years ago?” I asked as we walked down the hallway toward my office. A frown appeared on his face as he finally nodded.

“Yeah. The werewolf who just didn’t stop talking?” he asked, and I nodded, a hint of nostalgia creeping into my voice.

“That was her,” I revealed. “But she has changed a lot.” We stopped in front of my office. I fished out my key and opened the door, stepping inside while Gabriel followed. “I had just lost my parents at that time, and she was so understanding and caring,” I continued, my voice thick with emotion. Gabriel poured us both some wine and placed a glass in front of me.

“Well, you said she was a pack wolf back then,” he reminded me.

“Yeah, she was,” I confirmed, feeling the weight of my decision pressing down on me.

“You know it’s risky to keep a rogue here,” he warned, concern etching his features.

“I know, Gabriel. I will take care of everything. I just need to make sure she is all right, and then she’ll be gone in the morning.” I met his gaze, hoping to convey my determination.

“I don’t feel like this is going to end well, Enzo. Anyway, I’m going to head to bed. Goodnight.” Gabriel finished his drink and walked out of my office, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

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**Ava Rossi - POV**

My head throbbed like a drum, as if I had consumed an entire bottle of whiskey. I squeezed my eyes shut a few times before opening them, and my vision slowly cleared. I stared up at a white ceiling, confusion washing over me.

I could have sworn the ceiling in the room I stayed in last night was red. Panic surged through me as I jolted awake, glancing around the large bedroom. My heart raced as I took in the sight of a queen-sized bed beside a glass wall overlooking the snow capped mountains.

I threw off the blanket and climbed out of bed, surveying the room. This definitely didn’t look like the room at the bar. I made my way to the door and tried to open it, but it swung open easily.

Stepping out into the hallway, the enticing smell of breakfast wafted into my nostrils. I had no idea whose house this was or how I ended up here. Looking cautiously to either side, I slowly walked down the hallway, my senses heightened.

As I reached the staircase, I descended cautiously. Upon landing, I spotted a huge living room to my right and a hallway to the left. I began walking down the hallway, drawn by the scent of food, until I reached the kitchen.

There, a man stood behind the stove, wearing only a pair of boxers and a plain grey t-shirt that strained against his muscles. “Good morning, Ava,” he said without turning around, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Who are you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. When he finally turned to face me, my mouth fell open in shock. It was the same man from the bar, but there was something familiar about him that I couldn’t quite place.

“You don’t remember who I am?” he asked as he placed a plate of crispy bacon on the table. I shook my head, still trying to process the situation. “Do you remember the plane ride we shared a few years ago? You wouldn’t stop talking,” he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

My eyebrows scrunched in confusion, but slowly, the memory came flooding back. “Are you Lorenzo?” I asked, and he nodded at me. “I had a feeling I had seen you somewhere, but…”

“I’m happy that you still remember me. So, shall we have breakfast?” he asked, taking a seat as I hesitantly joined him at the table.

“How did I end up in your house?” I inquired, my curiosity piqued.

“That bartender drugged you and was trying to sell you off for the night, so I had to intervene,” he explained. A cold shiver ran down my spine. Was that why I felt dizzy the moment I walked into that room?

What if Lorenzo hadn’t been there last night? Would I have been assaulted?

“It’s over, Ava. Nothing happened, so don’t stress yourself about that,” Lorenzo said, his voice soothing. I nodded, forcing a smile as I accepted the plate he offered, filled with bacon, toast, and eggs.

“So, I know you can sense that I’m a werewolf,” I began, watching as he looked up at me. “And I know you are a werewolf too. But what pack are you from?”