Chapter 197 Audrey

The journey to Edwin's summer cottage was utterly silent as Charles drove. I stared out the window the entire time, watching the city give way to suburbs, then to rolling countryside, and finally to dense forest. When we finally arrived, I was surprised by how different the place looked from the last time I had been here.

The lake was frozen over, an expanse of white stretching to the other end, where the other little cottages sat closed up and empty for the season. The trees lining either side of the narrow road bowed under the weight of snow, their branches criss-crossing against the pale sky.

Peter hopped out of the car, his breath visible in the cold air. We grabbed our bags and Peter muttered a few words to Charles before Charles drove off, and Peter turned back

to mc.

"Welcome to your new home away from home, little star!" he said, far too cheerfully for my liking.

I ignored him, trudging toward the cottage. Peter hurried ahead to unlock the door, ushering me inside with a flourish.

"It's a bit chilly right now, but I'll get a fire going," he said, dropping his bag by the door and moving toward the gas fireplace. I watched as he turned it on, little orange flames. dancing behind the glass. He turned to me then. "Come on, I'll give you the grand tour."

"I've been here before."

"Okay, then I'll give you the grand welcome-back-in-case-you-forgot-where- everything-is tour."

I rolled my eyes.

Reluctantly, I followed him as he showed me around. Despite my foul mood, I had to admit the place was cozy this time of year. The living room was laden with all kinds of plush blankets, stacks of books waiting on the shelves. The kitchen was well-equipped and stocked with enough food to last us weeks.

"And here's where can do your online work," Peter said, opening the door to a small

you

12:40 Mon, Sep 23

Chapter 197

office that overlooked the lake. "Edwin made sure you'd have everything you need."

I clenched my jaw at the mention of Edwin's name but said nothing, simply sweeping my eyes over the office-the mahogany desk, the bay window with a cushio**

It was nice. But it wasn't home.

Peter turned to me, his expression softening. "Look, I know this isn't ideal, but I promise I'll be here to keep you company. We'll have lots of fun together..." He winked. roguishly. "Just you and me, little star." Normally, I would have blushed at his flirtatious humor, rolled my eyes, and told him off with a witty comeback.

brushed past him, heading for

"Audre-"

slammed the door in his face before he

in the room did I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. I dropped

large bed and rustic furniture. More plush blankets lined the bed, heavy

the personal touches-a familiar tweed jacket draped over a chair, a few books on

Edwin's personal room when he came to

soft sweater, and without thinking. I pulled it out and slipped it on. It smelled like him-a mixture of his cologne and his natural scent. Right now, I hated him.

of the sweater and finally let the tears come. I cried for my mother, still lying unconscious in a hospital bed. I

I cried for Edwin, for the promise he had broken, for the distance he had put between

Chapter 197

slumber because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to a growling stomach. Reluctantly, I rose and made my way to the kitchen, where I found Peter sitting at the table, reading a book with a cup of

some bread, shoving four slices in the

to eat, barely tasting it as I wolfed it down. Peter remained silent,

as I finished my last piece of toast, Peter set aside his book and spoke. "Do you want to go

bracing, but the last thing I

an answer," he said firmly.

shoulders, holding me in place. "You want to heal your mom and go. home, right? Well,

me toward the back door. I grumbled. angrily, but didn't put up much of a fight. Deep down, I knew he was right. If I

onto the snow-covered dock. Peter positioned me at

said.

closed my eyes, trying to ignore the biting cold and focus inward. I felt the familiar tug of my wolf, saw her silver eyes in my mind. This time, I could even feel her

hard I tried, I couldn't make the final connection. With a frustrated growl, I opened my eyes to find Peter's arms around me, holding me steady. My knees. had buckled

"No. I'm going inside."

tightened

going inside," I growled, forcefully shoving him back and rming past him,

and followed close behind. "Audrey, wait," he called. I didn't wait. I flung the door open and stored inside, kicking my damp boots off

you need to understand why Edwin is doing

"I understand plenty."

you're acting like

I stop in my tracks. Despite the warmth of the

just protecting you," he said

I spat, slowly turning to

daddy?"

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