55 Ava: Shopping With Ivy
For someone who doesn’t want children, he could have fooled me last week, Selene says, yawning in
amusement.
Shut up, I hiss at her, smiling at Ivy. “I’m sorry for
startling you.”
“It’s fine.” She waves a hand, looking me over with some caution. “As long as you’re okay.”
I continue eating, trying to keep my composure after that awkward moment. Ivy hesitates, seeming unsure if she should continue eating as well. The silence between us grows thick and uncomfortable. I rack my brain for something to say, but the tension is stifling.
Finally, Ivy clears her plate and stands. “Well, I should get going. Thank you for having me over.”
I stand as well, unsure of the protocol. “Of course. Thanks for the gifts.”
She steps forward and kisses both my cheeks, catching me off guard. “I’ll see you around, Ava.”
And with that, she’s gone, leaving me alone in the
12. 12.
1-8
C
55 Ava: Shopping With Ivy
apartment. I collapse onto the plush couch, mentally exhausted from the visit. What was the point of all that? She seemed nice enough, but there’s just something so weird about how she acts. Judgment? Suspicion? I can’t quite put my finger on it.
Selene pads over and hops up beside me, resting her head on my lap. She certainly is an interesting one.
“You’re telling me,” I mutter, running my fingers through her soft fur. “I can’t figure out her angle.”
I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her. There’s something off about that one.
frown, staring at the gifts she left on the counter. “You think so?
pup! Selene huffs out a breath. Just be careful around her. And her brother, for
The memory of our intimate encounter flashes through my mind, heat creeping up
be careful. His wolf thinks of you as
12:36
2/6
Ava: Shopping
“You guys can talk to
intelligence lacking. It’s only humans who
I see.
as casually
Lucas‘ wolf?”
jerks her head away with a sharp snort. I don’t talk to the
Ouch.
***
of her tail against the bed frame. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I peer over at her lounging on
grumble, throwing a pillow in her general direction. She dodges it easily, not even bothering to look away from the
she replies, her tone dripping
sarcasm. Sleen
12:35
3/8
<
Shopping
I shoot at her,
Ivy, asking if I’m free to
prospect.
voice echoes in my mind. It’ll be good for you to get out of the apartment for a bit. Don’t give up
I murmur, typing out a non–committal response.
sometimes.”
knock at the door. I open it to find Ivy standing there, looking impeccably put
you’re ready,” she says breezily, brushing past me into the apartment. “I took
to reveal a silky turquoise blouse and lightweight gray pants. My
12.35
4/8
Shopping
from the bottom.
me clothes yesterday,” I protest weakly.
She waves a dismissive hand. “You’ll
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