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.
notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes,
smile and
will.” He taps my nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me
just get a new burner as soon as
staying inside. Rowan will be by
together.”
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Ava: Clayton’s Departure
it’ll probably be easier for
say again, with a
***
is
to the much smaller human city of White Peak–well, you can’t really
different worlds.
glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their chatter and laughter
quiet, the solitude of my little
scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable
says, guiding me
store. Its windows are filled
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378
Ava: Clayton’s
and I can’t help but stare as
high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of expensive cosmetics and leather
labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of frugal–but Rowan doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too busy keeping an eye on our surroundings, his
through the aisles, and 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
and friendly, a steady presence at my side.
especially in a place like this. The crowds make
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Clayton’s
nerves on edge. But with Rowan here,
and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at
and
pass.
the presence of Rowan, or is it me?
says, calm
going to make hiding a
more prudent to get
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