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.

I just brushed past him, heading for my bedroom across

"Audre-"

his face before he could

out the breath I'd been holding. I dropped my bag on the floor and allowed myself to

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

caught my attention were the personal touches-a familiar tweed jacket draped over a chair, a few books on the nightstand. The

Edwin's personal room when he came

to the closet, opening it and breathing in the familiar scent. I found a soft sweater, and without thinking. I pulled it out and slipped it on. It smelled

come. I cried for my mother, still lying unconscious in a hospital bed. I cried

for

Chapter 197

to a growling stomach. Reluctantly, I rose and made my way to the kitchen, where I

in the toaster. As I waited, I could feel Peter's eyes on me, but I refused to

it with some strawberry jam and began to eat, barely tasting it as I wolfed it down. Peter remained silent, but I

toast, Peter set aside his book and spoke.

bracing, but the last thing I

no for an answer," he said firmly. "You can't wallow inside forever." "Yes, I

my shoulders, holding me in place. "You want to heal your

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

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

he said. "You

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 fur

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,

"No. I'm going inside."

fingers tightened around

inside," I growled, forcefully shoving him back and rming past him, my dark hair billowing behind

sighed and followed close behind. "Audrey, wait," he called. I didn't wait. I flung

you need to understand why Edwin is doing

"I understand plenty."

you're acting like

tracks. Despite the warmth of the living

you,"

I spat, slowly turning

daddy?"

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