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.
but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and
smile and say, “Be
disappointment already hidden. “Set up your
I’ll just get a new burner as soon as I can.
inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and
together.”
12:31
2/8
Clayton’s
a little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be
again, with a
***
city is
White Peak–well,
different worlds.
as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their
quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger, louder,
who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in this urban jungle.
guiding
Its windows
12:31
378
Clayton’s
fashions, and I can’t help but stare as we pass
high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of
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 gaze sharp
and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own
that tension between us. He’s 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
this. The crowds make me nervous,
12.31
4/8
Ava: Clayton’s Departure
noise setting my nerves on edge. But with Rowan here,
Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting
glance toward me and scent the air as I
pass.
Rowan,
your power, Selene says, calm as ever.
to make
to get stronger so you don’t
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