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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?
are not wolfless, she reminds me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You
do?”
yawns again. Live, she says simply. Just as
trouble before
***
sigh and fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let
when she says it
an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though. Your body is soft. Weak. You
tugs at my lips. “What do
her
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217
A
cannot rely solely
her. I’m not completely soft. I’ve had
toughen up, build muscle, increase my
words.
Todd–or anyone from my pack–comes for me again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only chance at
slow nod, I steel my
need to do?”
next morning, I approach Mrs.
to leave work early three days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I’ve decided to take, not daring to reveal the real reason.
brow furrows in
dear. As long as you
you leave, I don’t mind at all.”
14:46
3/7
Ava: A
“Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate
her warm, grandmotherly smiles. “Not
smile in return, her kindness lancing through my chest. If only she knew…
Selene leads me through a series of basic calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room-
grit my teeth and
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