Leo's POV

Few minutes later, Dad's gamma comes out. "Alpha's waiting in his office."

We leave the cakes for the omegas to handle for the ceremony.

Follow him in, but he peels off next door. We head straight to Dad's office. Find him on the couch, nursing whiskey. His face drops when he sees William's expression.

"She wants nothing to do with me," William says, dropping next to Dad, head down.

Dad gives him this look - pure sympathy.

I try playing it cool, but I'm dying to know. "Dad, what's the deal here?" Trying to keep my poker face - can't let on how bad I need this info, especially if I want a shot with Ava. Park myself in the chair across from them.

Dad looks at William, getting an OK nod. "Better get comfortable, son. Sounds like she'll be around."

"Maybe not," William mumbles, eyes glued to the floor. "Just helping Ella for a few weeks."

That gets my blood boiling.

"Want mate," Axel whines.

"I know, buddy. Let's get the story first, then work on it." Her scent's still stuck in my head - mint chocolate and strawberries. Man.

"Spill it," I say, looking between them.

The shame coming off both of them hits like a truck. Hold up - why's Dad ashamed too?

"Son, before Carol, William had Lucy - Ava's mom. She was his mate, his everything. Got pregnant with Ava pretty quick. You and Ava were actually play buddies as babies - your mom and Lucy were tight." Dad moves to the window, watching the warriors train. "Us four were close. Then one winter full moon dance, packs came visiting. Carol showed up looking for her mate... and found William."

I'm floored. "But Lucy was your mate," I tell William. His eyes are getting wet. "She was. Carol is too."