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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?
reminds me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We will not return to
will we do?” I
again. Live, she says simply. Just as
borrow trouble before it finds
***
couch cushions, trying to let Selene’s words wash
she says it like
those piercing blue eyes fixing me with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have
lips. “What do you
arm with her
14:46 —
217
Ava: A Familiar Scont
your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to
soft. I’ve had to
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.
be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong
nod, I steel my resolve.
need to do?”
I approach
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 concern, but she
long as you can have
I don’t
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A Familiar Scont
washes over me. “Thank you, Mrs.
“Not a problem, Ava. Just take care of
a smile in return, her kindness lancing through my chest.
basic calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and burn with
teeth and
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