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
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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.
can’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and
another smile
hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when
There’s no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon
on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and if you
together.”
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Ava: Clayton’s Departure
it’ll probably be easier
I say again, with a
***
is huge.
White Peak–well, you can’t really compare them. They’re
different worlds.
as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the
overwhelming, the sheer size and energy of it all. I’m used to the quiet, the
glance over at Rowan, who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in this urban
he says, guiding me towards
Its windows are filled
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378
Clayton’s
the latest fashions, and I can’t help but stare
are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of expensive cosmetics and
I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the
steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled
and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know,
especially in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant
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Clayton’s Departure
edge. But with
I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they
they glance toward me and scent the air
pass.
Rowan,
smell your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You
make hiding a lot harder.
be more prudent to get stronger so you don’t need to hide.
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