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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?
a few circles. You are strong.
do?” I
says simply. Just as
been. Do not borrow trouble before it finds you.
***
cushions, trying to let Selene’s words wash over me. Live. Just live. It
says it like that.
an intent stare. You cannot keep going as
tugs at my lips. “What do you
with her cold,
14:46 —
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Ava: A Familiar Scont
you would your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to protect you forever.
I’ve had to learn to run. But to Selene, I’m
sense. I’m nothing compared to shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor
words.
anyone from my pack–comes for me again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to fight
I steel my
need to do?”
morning, I approach Mrs. Elkins with a
three days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I’ve decided to take, not daring to
brow furrows in concern, but
“Of course, dear. As long as you can
you leave, I don’t mind at
14:46
3/7
A
“Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate
warm, grandmotherly smiles. “Not a
in return, her kindness lancing
privacy of my small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and burn with the
I grit my teeth and push through
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