Chapter 25 Ava: A Familiar Scent

Selene growls, pacing as she sniffs every corner of the room. Her hackles are stiff. Even though she's just a dog right now, it's still intimidating.

That bastard was here, Selene confirms, after sniffing around the bedroom. He won't harm you. Her lip curls back into a soft snarl. I can smell his regret with every step he took.

I collapse, my legs too weak to hold me up. That refreshed, revitalized feeling is gone. Only fear remains.

"What am I going to do? I can't stay here. If he found me, that means Dad can find me."

Perhaps. Selene stretches with a large yawn. I would not worry yet, cub. You are not as defenseless as you once were, and you cannot run forever.

"But—"

You cannot run forever, Selene repeats forcefully, and I fall silent, struggling against the panic fluttering against my ribcage. One day, you might have to fight back.

Fight back?

I'd never imagined fighting back.

How can a wolfless defect fight back?

couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We will

we do?"

again. Live, she says simply. Just as you have

* * *

onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene's words wash over me. Live. Just live. It sounds so

blue eyes fixing me with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though. Your body is soft.

at my lips. "What do

nose. Exercise. Train your body as you would your mind. You

soft. I've had to learn to

fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A

for me again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to fight back

slow nod, I steel my resolve. "Okay.

approach Mrs. Elkins with a request to leave work early three days a week. I spin a

doesn't pry. "Of course, dear. As long as you can

over me. "Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate your

her warm, grandmotherly smiles. "Not a problem,

her kindness lancing through my chest. If only she

room—push-ups, sit-ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and burn with

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