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.
the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and
smile and say, “Be safe.”
disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call
There’s no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get
eye on you and check up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will
together.”
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Ava: Clayton’s Departure
Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me to get
I say again, with a smile. “Thank
***
city is
to the much smaller human city of White Peak–well, you
different worlds.
glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their chatter and laughter
to the quiet, the
over at Rowan, who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in this urban
way,” he says, guiding
store. Its windows are filled with
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378
Ava: Clayton’s
in the latest fashions, and I can’t help but
polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of expensive cosmetics and leather
brand names on their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton
aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During
a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already
in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous,
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Ava: Clayton’s
edge. But with Rowan here, I feel
noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me as
me and
pass.
the presence of Rowan, or is
your power, Selene says, calm
going to make
than hiding, it would be more prudent to get stronger so you don’t need
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