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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
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25 Ava: A Familiar Scent
back.
Fight back?
I’d never imagined fighting back.
How can a wolfless defect fight back?
settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We
we do?” I
yawns again. Live, she says simply. Just as
Do not borrow trouble before it finds you.
***
and fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene’s words wash over me. Live.
simple when she says it like
an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though. Your body is soft.
at my lips. “What do you
pushes my arm with her cold,
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A Familiar
your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to protect you forever.
her. I’m not completely soft. I’ve had to learn to run. But
compared to shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation runs through me, but I can’t deny
words.
to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to
steel my resolve. “Okay.
need to do?”
next morning, I approach Mrs. Elkins with a
vague story about
brow furrows in concern, but
“Of course, dear. As long as you
done before you leave, I don’t mind
14:46
3/7
A
Mrs. Elkins. I really
“Not a problem, Ava. Just take care of yourself,
return, her kindness lancing
small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and
my teeth and push through
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