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,

"Audre-"

in his face

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

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

caught my attention were the personal touches-a familiar tweed jacket draped over a chair, a few books on the nightstand. The scent alone told me all I needed

Edwin's personal room when he came to stay

soft sweater, and without thinking. I pulled it out and slipped it on.

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

promise he had broken, for the distance he

Chapter 197

because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to a growling stomach. Reluctantly, I rose and made

four slices in the toaster. As I waited,

began to eat, barely tasting it as I wolfed it down.

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

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

Peter was quicker, stepping into my path. "Well, I'm not taking no for an answer," he said firmly. "You can't

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

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 could

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

he said. "You know

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

With a frustrated growl, I opened my eyes to find Peter's

"No. I'm going inside."

tightened around

him back and rming past him,

I didn't wait. I flung the door open and

but you need

"I understand plenty."

like a spoiled

of the living room,

just protecting you,"

"Protecting me from what?" I spat, slowly

daddy?"

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