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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?
me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We will not return
do?” I ask helplessly.
again. Live, she says simply. Just as you
not borrow trouble before it
***
cushions, trying to let Selene’s words wash over
when she says it
those piercing blue eyes fixing me with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you
my lips. “What do you
arm with her cold,
14:46 —
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A Familiar Scont
as you would your mind. You cannot
her. I’m not completely soft. I’ve had to learn to
nothing compared to shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation runs through me,
words.
my pack–comes for me again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only
nod, I steel my resolve.
need to do?”
next morning, I approach Mrs.
days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I’ve decided to take,
furrows in concern,
dear. As long as you
done before you leave, I don’t mind at all.”
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Ava: A Familiar
washes over me. “Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really
me one of her warm, grandmotherly smiles. “Not a problem, Ava. Just take care of
her kindness lancing through my chest. If
through a series of basic calisthenics in the privacy of my small living
grit my teeth and push through the
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