CHAPTER 254: CHAPTER 254 LEGAL PROTECTION

Ava’s POV

"I’ll send you the lawyer’s info in the morning," Joseph promised.

After Joseph dropped us off at Nina’s apartment, Nina immediately turned on me with questions. I wasn’t about to go home alone that night.

"Oh. My. God." She fanned herself. "That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. The way he just commanded that space and scared Isaac off? Pure Alpha energy."

"Don’t start," I warned.

"And you gave him your number!" She squealed. "After turning him down earlier today!"

"He’s going to send me information about a lawyer," I explained. I tried to sound nonchalant. "It’s not romantic."

Nina rolled her eyes. "Sure, that’s all it is. The way he looked at you? Trust me, that man wants more than to just help you with legal advice."

I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach at her words. "Even if that’s true, nothing’s going to happen. Guys like Joseph Garcia don’t date girls like me."

"What, beautiful, smart women who don’t fall at their feet?" Nina countered.

"Wolfless Omegas with complicated family histories," I corrected her.

Nina waved dismissively. "Details. The point is, he’s interested, and despite all your protests, I think you might be too."

I didn’t answer. As I got ready for bed that night, I couldn’t help checking my phone one last time. Joseph’s name stared back at me from my message list.

Joseph texted me the lawyer’s contact information in the morning. I stared at my phone. I was torn between calling now or waiting for my mother to return from Silver Creek. After a restless night thinking about the parking lot incident, I decided to wait for mom’s guidance.

"He is very persistent," I said to myself. I noticed another text from Joseph asking if I’d contacted the lawyer yet.

In the afternoon, mom finally returned from visiting Grandma Hilary. I helped her with her bags and waited until she settled in. Then I brought up the incident.

"Mom, something happened while you were away," I said. We sat at our kitchen table with our tea mugs.

Her eyes filled with concern. "What is it, sweetie?"

I explained everything. Isaac’s attack in the parking lot, his aggressive behavior, and how Joseph had helped me. When I mentioned Joseph’s lawyer recommendation, her expression changed.

"Joseph? Who exactly is this Joseph?" Her tone was suspicious.

"He’s the rude person I taught a lesson to at the store that day when I was buying a gift for grandma," I said. I felt my cheeks warm.

Mom studied my face carefully. "And this man just happened to be there when Isaac confronted you?"

"He was walking to his car and saw what was happening. He stepped in and scared Isaac off."

Mom’s fingers tapped against her mug. "And now he’s offering his personal lawyer?"

"He seems genuinely concerned," I said. Then I wondered why I felt the need to defend him.

"I see that look on your face, Ava," she said softly. "I recognize it."

"What look?"

"Interest. Attraction." She reached across the table and took my hand. "Friendship with someone like that is fine, but don’t let it become more. Wolves like him, especially Alphas, they don’t mix well with people like us."

I pulled my hand back. "I’m not interested in him, Mom. He helped me, that’s all."

"Just be careful. Men like that will only break your heart," she warned. "But yes, we should definitely call this lawyer. Isaac needs to be dealt with."

Within an hour, I called the lawyer’s office. I was surprised when the receptionist immediately recognized my name.

"Miss Flynn? Yes, Mr. Winters is expecting your call. He can see you today at 4:30 if that works for you?"

I looked at my mother. "That would be perfect, thank you."

The law office was in one of Harbor Bay’s sleekest skyscrapers. The receptionist greeted us warmly and took us directly to Mr. Winters’ office.

"Miss Flynn, please come in," Mr. Winters stood from behind his desk. He was a distinguished man in his fifties with silver hair. "Alpha Joseph spoke highly of you."

"He did?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Indeed. He asked that I give your case my personal attention," he pointed to the chairs across from his desk. "Now, tell me everything about this situation."

I told him about Isaac’s escalating behavior, the parking lot incident, and my concerns. Mr. Winters listened carefully and made notes.

"This is unfortunately common," he said when I finished. "But you’ve done exactly the right thing by coming forward. I’ll file for a restraining order immediately. With the police report and witness statements, we have a strong case."

"How long will it take?" Mom asked.

"I can expedite it. We should have it within 48 hours." He leaned back in his chair. "In the meantime, I suggest you take precautions. Don’t travel alone if possible, especially at night."

I nodded. I felt relief and lingering anxiety.

"Of course," Mr. Winters continued. His expression relaxed slightly. "There are other options beyond the legal route."

My eyebrows raised. "What do you mean?"

A small smile appeared on his face. "Your ex-boyfriend is training with Storm Valley Pack, correct? Alpha Joseph and Alpha Draven are quite close. One word from Alpha Joseph to his friend might resolve this situation more efficiently than court orders."

"Oh, I couldn’t ask him to do that," I said quickly. "He’s already helped enough."

Mr. Winters tilted his head. "I was under the impression you and Alpha Joseph were close."

Heat rushed to my face. "We’re not. We barely know each other."

Mom’s posture stiffened beside me.

"I see," Mr. Winters nodded. "Well, my legal services are at your disposal regardless. Alpha Joseph has instructed me to handle everything, including my fees."

"That won’t be necessary," Mom said. "We can pay for the services ourselves."

"Mom," I started.

"We appreciate the help," she continued firmly, "but we don’t need charity."

Mr. Winters raised his hands. "Of course. I’ll prepare the paperwork and be in touch tomorrow with updates."

As we rode the elevator down, Mom’s disapproval was obvious in the silence.

"He seems very helpful," I finally said.

"Too helpful," Mom replied. "I’m grateful this Alpha helped you with Isaac, truly. But men like him don’t do favors without expecting something in return."

"Maybe he’s just nice?"

Mom sighed. "Ava, I’ve seen this before. These wealthy, powerful Alphas, they see a pretty girl and think she’s another conquest. They don’t understand boundaries or refusal."

"Joseph isn’t like that," I argued, then caught myself. Why was I defending someone I barely knew?

"All I’m saying is be careful," Mom said as we exited the building. "Keep your distance from him. I don’t want to see you get hurt when he loses interest or when his wolf decides it’s time to find his true mate."

I stared out the car window as we drove home. I thought about Joseph’s intense eyes when he confronted Isaac, the gentle concern afterward, and the way my skin tingled when he was near.

"I know what I’m doing, Mom," I said quietly. But deep down, I wasn’t sure that was true at all.