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.
of disappointment in his eyes, and
force another smile and say,
my nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when you
it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon
will keep an eye on you and check up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon,
together.”
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2/8
Clayton’s Departure
heart beats a little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me
say again, with
***
is
human city of White Peak–well, you
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
quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger, louder,
crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in
guiding me towards a large
Its windows
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378
Clayton’s Departure
can’t help but
The floors are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent
that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of frugal–but
relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes dark with
between us. He’s just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t
place like this. The crowds make
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4/8
Ava: Clayton’s Departure
with Rowan here, I feel safer,
I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me
and scent the
pass.
of Rowan,
your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You no
That’s going to make hiding a
more prudent to
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