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.

him, heading for

"Audre-"

slammed the door in his face

once I was alone in the room did I finally let out the breath I'd been holding. I dropped my

rest of the cottage, with a large bed and rustic furniture. More plush blankets lined the bed, heavy curtains drawn against

over a chair, a few books

when he came to stay

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

I buried my face in the sleeves of the sweater and finally let the tears come. I cried for my mother,

Edwin, for the promise he had broken, for the distance he had put between us. 12:40

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

pulled out some bread, shoving four slices in the toaster. As I waited, I could feel Peter's eyes

jam and began to eat, barely

Peter set aside his book and spoke.

landscape. It looked beautiful and bracing, but the last thing I wanted was to do anything. "No," I said

he said firmly. "You can't wallow inside forever."

to heal

back door. I grumbled. angrily, but didn't put up much of a fight. Deep down,

cold air hit me like a slap as we stepped onto the snow-covered dock. Peter positioned me at the

little star," he said. "You know the

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

opened my eyes to find Peter's arms around me, holding

"No. I'm going inside."

fingers tightened

I growled, forcefully shoving him back and rming past him,

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

need to understand why Edwin

"I understand plenty."

like a spoiled little brat

stop in my tracks. Despite the warmth of the living room, I shivered, shoulders

protecting you," he said

"Protecting me from what?" I spat, slowly turning to look at Peter.

daddy?"

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