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 his eyes, and I have
another smile
taps my nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when
if it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon as I
staying inside. Rowan will be by
together.”
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2/8
Ava: Clayton’s
heart beats a little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier
say again, with a
***
city is
to the much smaller human city of White Peak–well, you can’t really compare them.
different worlds.
the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with
used to the quiet, the solitude of
walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in
way,” he says, guiding
windows are filled
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378
Ava: Clayton’s Departure
latest fashions, and I can’t help but stare
more impressive. The floors are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the
names on their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton
and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going.
at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would have suspected him
his company, especially in a place like this.
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4/8
Clayton’s
my nerves on edge. But with Rowan here,
in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never
they glance toward me and scent the air as
pass.
the presence of Rowan, or
Selene says, calm as ever.
to make hiding a
hiding, it would be more prudent to get stronger so you don’t need to
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