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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?
couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We will not
do?” I
she says simply. Just as you
been. Do not borrow trouble before it
***
couch cushions, trying to let Selene’s words
she says it like that.
with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though.
lips. “What do you
pushes my arm with her cold, wet nose. Exercise.
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Ava: A Familiar
body as you would your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to
completely soft. I’ve had to learn to run. But to Selene,
shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation runs through
words.
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.
need to do?”
approach Mrs. Elkins with
about
furrows in concern,
long as you can have
before you leave, I don’t mind at all.”
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Ava: A Familiar Scont
washes over me. “Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate your understanding.”
one of her warm, grandmotherly smiles. “Not a problem, Ava.
her kindness lancing through my chest. If only she
leads me through a series of basic calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My
grit my teeth and
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