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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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.
flicker of disappointment
I force another smile and say, “Be safe.”
hidden. “Set up your phone. Call
no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just
staying inside. Rowan will be by
together.”
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Ava: Clayton’s Departure
Clayton, it’ll probably be
again, with a smile.
***
is
of White Peak–well, you can’t really compare them.
different worlds.
facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are
quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger,
his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease,
way,” he says, guiding me towards
windows are filled
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378
Ava: Clayton’s
and I can’t help but stare as
high and adorned
found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of frugal–but Rowan doesn’t seem to notice. He’s
now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes
steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would have suspected him to be the beta of Clayton’s
appreciate his company, especially in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous,
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4/8
Clayton’s Departure
my nerves on edge. But with Rowan here, I feel
everywhere, mingling with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at
and scent the
pass.
it the presence of Rowan, or is
smell your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You
to make
more prudent to get stronger so you
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