Chapter Six: Counting the Cost

Ava’s POV

The drive to the Nightingale pack lands felt surreal, like I was traveling back in time. The last time I had been here, I was a naive teenager madly in love with the Alpha's son. Now I was a grown woman and a mother of three kids, only returning under ominous circumstances.

Aurora insisted on coming with me, despite my protests.

"You're not doing this alone," she said firmly as she loaded the last of my things into her SUV. "I'll help you get settled, and be right here if that jerk Ethan tries anything."

I smiled weakly, appreciating her protectiveness even if it complicated things. We rode in tense silence, the weight of what I had to do pressing down on me. Aurora kept shooting me worried glances.

"I really don't like this, Ava," she finally said as we passed the 'Welcome to Nightingale Territory' sign. "We can still turn around and call the cops."

I shook my head, even as my heart tightened. "You heard him. I don't have a choice if I want to see the kids again."

Aurora cursed under her breath. "I swear, if that rat lays one finger on you..."

I took her hand and squeezed it. "It'll be okay. I can handle Ethan." At least, I hoped I could.

We pulled up to the small furnished apartment I had rented on the edge of the pack grounds. It was dingy and cramped compared to my beautiful home, but it would do for now.

Aurora stayed late, fussing over me and triple checking the locks. I finally had to shoo her out.

"Go home and get some rest," I insisted. "I'll be fine."

She pulled me into a crushing hug. "Call me every night, okay? And if he tries anything, anything at all, I'll rain hell on him like a category five tornado," she threatened.

I chuckled softly. "I will. Now go before they kick you off the pack lands for being human."

After Aurora reluctantly left, I finished unpacking in the depressing little apartment. Xavier Wilder wanted me to report to the Alpha first thing tomorrow, to gain approval for living on the lands as a lone omega.

I curled up on the lumpy mattress, exhaustion weighing me down. But sleep eluded me, my thoughts churning with how I would convince the Alpha - Ethan - to let me stay. I had to succeed, for my kids' sake. Finally, I drifted off into a fitful sleep.

The next morning, I took a steadying breath. Time to put on a show.

I chose my most professional yet alluring outfit - a fitted dress suit that highlighted my curves. A touch of makeup and heels completed the look. If I was going to play femme fatale, I had to sell it.

My car purred softly as I wound through the sprawling pack territory. Wolves turned to stare, clearly wondering who the strange woman driving a decent car was.

I kept my eyes forward. It was showtime.

The main pack house was an imposing chateau-style mansion. As I stepped out, whispers broke out around me.

"Who's that? A new Luna?"

"With that car? Maybe she's an elite from the city."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar bleach-blonde head pushing through the crowd. Megan, the girl who had taunted me at the mating ceremony years ago. Her mouth dropped open in shock.

"No way! It's Ava!" She glared at me suspiciously. "What's she doing back here?"

I merely smiled, removing my sunglasses slowly. "Megan. What a...pleasure, to see you again."

Before she could respond, I sauntered into the pack house, leaving the gossiping wolves behind. Just get through this meeting first, I told myself.

The polished oak doors of the alpha's office loomed ahead. I could scent Ethan inside. My heart pounded, but I kept my face smooth and confident.

"You can do this, Ava. For Natasha, Nathan, and Natalia." I steeled myself.

At my light knock, a distracted "Come in" sounded.

Ethan sat at a massive desk, surrounded by the sleek trappings of power. He had grown more ruggedly handsome. When he glanced up from his papers, interest sparked in his emerald eyes.

"Well, hello. What can I do for you?" His gaze roved over me appreciatively.

I gave a slight, business-like smile. "Alpha Ethan. We need to discuss my joining your pack."

He blinked in surprise. "Joining? I don't believe we've met..." Understanding lit his face. "You must be Dr. Ava Wolfe."

I inclined my head. "The one and only."

Ethan stared, comprehension dawning. "Ava? Little Ava, from Willow Creek orphanage?"

I arched a brow coolly. "Not so little anymore, as you can see."

He flushed slightly. "Forgive me, you're just...not what I expected." His eyes lingered on my legs.

"I've done quite well for myself. But I'd like to formally join a pack now, to establish myself."

Like a true politician, Ethan smoothly transitioned to business matters, clearly eager to have such a prestigious wolf doctor join his pack. We ironed out the details briskly.

"Well, welcome to the Nightingales, Ava. It will be nice to...catch up." Ethan's smile held a hint of suggestiveness.

I stood gracefully. "Indeed. I look forward to settling in." With a final puzzling look, I left him to his work.

Phase one complete. I allowed myself a small smile of satisfaction as I exited the alpha’s  throne hall. Ethan was already intrigued, his eyes drawn to my very different adult self. Now what’s left for me is to lead him in...

I quickly shot Aurora a text that it had gone well. She responded immediately, asking me to call her tonight.

Pocketing my phone securely, I headed back to my apartment. I had taken the first step in infiltrating the Nightingale Pack. Now I just had to make Ethan fall for me again.

Easier said than done when he was my worst enemy. But I pictured my kid's lives depending on it. For them, I could do anything.

Later that evening, I called Aurora as promised to check in.

"How'd it go?" she asked immediately. "Did you see Ethan?"

I sighed, curling up on the lumpy couch. "Briefly. He was surprised to see me. I got approval from the Alpha to stay, so that's something."

"And they bought your story about just being there as a doctor?" Aurora pressed.

"I think so. Although..." I hesitated, then told her about the unnerving new Beta. Apparently the real threat in my entire mission was getting past his perceptiveness. I had done my research before coming here. Apparently, a new beta joined a few years after I left, and nothing, I mean nothing, gets past him.

Aurora groaned. "Great, that's all we need is some shifty masked guy watching your every move."

"I know. I'll have to be extra careful." I stifled a yawn. It had been an exhausting day.

"Get some rest," Aurora said gently. "You did good today, Ava. First day down. I'll come by soon to check on you, okay?"

"Okay. Love you, Aurora." I reluctantly hung up, already missing her reassuring presence.

After a simple dinner, I decided to take a walk around the pack to get my mind off my kids. I texted the burner phone Xavier Wilder had given me. He'd requested to keep him updated on all things.

'Arrived safely. Phase one complete. Target is interested and willing to bring me into the pack.' I texted.

My finger hesitated over the send button. This felt wrong, dirty. But I had no choice. I hit send.

Just then, a large figure rounded the corner, colliding with me. My phone flew from my hands. I gasped as the formidable man deftly caught it before it hit the ground. Dread settling like a stone in my gut as I took in his imposing form and the curious look he gave my device.

"Terribly sorry about that, miss," he said, his voice a pleasant rumble, pausing to clear his throat. He handed the phone back, and I nearly fainted in relief when the screen was dark.

Taking a subtle breath, I assessed him closer. Tall and broad-shouldered, with an air of quiet confidence. But it was the distinctive black mask covering the top half of his face that gave away his identity.

Beta Logan, Ethan's second-in-command. Really? Is my luck this crappy? Running into the very person I had to avoid on my first day?

I tried to keep my tone light despite my pounding heart. "No harm done. I'm still getting familiar with the grounds." I extended a hand. "Dr. Ava Wolfe."

He shook politely. "A pleasure. Welcome to the pack." His piercing golden gaze seemed to see right through me. "I don't mean to pry, but that message you were sending..."

I stiffened imperceptibly, gulping. I managed to keep my tone light. "Oh, it's just an inside joke with a friend."

He continued to study me, making little coughs of his own as if to clear his throat. After a moment, he sneered.

"Really? Phase one complete? Target is interested and willing to bring me into the pack." His voice was like gravel. My mind spun wildly.

Shit! How much had he seen?

The man's eyes narrowed. "I'm Logan, Beta of Nightingale Pack," he rumbled. "And I don't like spies in my pack."

Shit. My cover was blown, hours into this scheme. Logan would surely report my suspicious behavior to Ethan.

What now?