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,

"Audre-"

the door in his face before he

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

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

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

personal room when he came

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

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

broken, for the distance he had put

Chapter 197

must have fallen into a dreamless, tear-induced slumber because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to a growling stomach. Reluctantly, I rose and made

shoving four slices in the

began to eat, barely tasting

last piece of toast, Peter set aside his book and spoke.

the window at the snow-covered landscape. It looked beautiful and bracing, but the last thing I wanted was to do anything.

taking no for an answer," he said firmly. "You

"You want to heal your mom and go.

up much of a fight.

as we stepped onto the snow-covered dock.

little star," he said. "You know

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 beneath my fingers,

how 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.

"No. I'm going inside."

fingers tightened around me.

growled, forcefully shoving him back and

he called. I didn't wait. I flung the door open and stored inside, kicking my damp boots off by

you need to understand why Edwin is

"I understand plenty."

not, if you're acting like a spoiled little

in my tracks. Despite the warmth of the living room, I shivered, shoulders tensing. Peter took

you,"

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

daddy?"

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