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.
help but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and I have to fight the
smile and say,
hidden. “Set up your phone.
I’ll just get a new burner as
up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and if you need
together.”
12:31
2/8
Clayton’s
little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me to
again, with a smile. “Thank
***
is huge.
much smaller human city of White Peak–well, you
different worlds.
my heart racing as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight.
all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything
over at Rowan, who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems
says, guiding me
Its windows
12:31
378
Clayton’s
latest fashions, and I can’t help
The floors are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers.
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,
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
just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would have suspected him to be the beta of
like this.
12.31
4/8
Clayton’s Departure
nerves on edge. But with Rowan here,
mingling with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they
glance toward me and scent
pass.
presence of Rowan, or is it
Selene says, calm as ever. You no
to make hiding
would be more prudent to get stronger so you
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