51 Ava: Clayton’s Departure
Clayton’s shoulders stiffen, and he sighs. “You’ll be safe as long as you stay within the pack,” he says, his voice tight.
My heart skips a beat at his words.
“I’m going to have to go out on a quick trip,” Clayton continues, and my eyes widen.
A trip? Where? And why?
The questions are burning on the tip of my tongue, but I bite them back, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Besides, I don’t need to know.
Instead, I force a small smile and say, “I hope you have
a safe trip.”
Clayton nods, his expression softening as he meets my gaze. “Thank you, Ava.”
For a moment, I think he’s going to say more, but then he seems to think better of it. He takes a step towards me, and my heart rate picks up, my body tensing
involuntarily.
“Can I have a goodbye kiss?” he asks, his voice low and
12:31
1/8
rough.
I swallow hard, my mouth dry. A part of me wouldn’t
mind feeling his lips on mine again, knowing the passion that can erupt between us.
But a much larger part of me holds me back.
So instead of leaning in, I turn my head slightly,
offering him my cheek. His lips brush against my skin, warm and soft, and I feel a shiver run down my spine despite myself.
he pulls back, I can’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment in
force another smile and say,
disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when
wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get
you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by
together.”
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2/8
Clayton’s Departure
Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for
I say again, with a
***
city is huge.
city of White Peak–well, you can’t
different worlds.
the car, my heart racing as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The
sheer size and energy of it all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger, louder,
beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in this urban jungle. I envy his
guiding me towards a large
store. Its windows
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378
Ava: Clayton’s
can’t
and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of
on their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of frugal–but Rowan doesn’t
I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes dark with desire.
and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would
in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant
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4/8
Clayton’s
on edge. But with Rowan here, I
Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice
they glance toward me and scent the air as
pass.
of Rowan, or is it
can smell your power, Selene says, calm as
going to make hiding
to get stronger
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