96 Ava: Life in Westwood (I)
Lucas still calls me every night, but Lisa had helped encourage me to text him yesterday, asking for space, at least until he returns to Westwood.
I’m sure he gets hourly reports from all my guards, but at least I don’t have to worry about playing nice when I’m starting to feel resentful and frustrated, despite knowing I should be grateful for being saved.
I’m grateful to him for a lot. Having guards around should be a small price for all of this. It’s just hard.
“Welcome home!” Lisa exclaims as she flings open the door to her new apartment.
When Lisa said that Lucas had settled her into an
apartment, I’d expected something… I don’t know.
Normal?
This is far from normal.
The luxurious living room has been decorated in some
sort of eclectic, artistic mix of boho wall decor and minimalist furniture, leaving bright, wide open spaces with bright splashes of color and texture on the walls.
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96 Ava. Life in Westwood (1)
Floor–to–ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, framed by curtains I’m afraid to even touch. How can curtains look so expensive?
A sleek kitchen gleams in the corner, all stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, with white
cabinets that are going to be a terrible experience to keep clean. It’s like the entire apartment was made with maid service in mind.
I breathe, running my fingers along the back of the luxurious leather
didn’t he?”
they don’t hear me, because–well, they’re
of her -heels against the hardwood as she storms after Kellan. “We don’t need a guard dog watching our every move in
248
in Westwood
People crowd the streets.
It’s busy.
From the Novel Grind and its cozy charm. From the little apartment I’d
made my own.
From Selene.
so long since I’ve heard her voice in my head, felt her presence curled around my mind like a contented cat. I keep reaching for
effect of our bond. I’d hoped it meant Selene was
insidious and cold.
hurt, or worse? The thought makes my
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Ava: Life in Westwood (1)
leaves me feeling only
press my forehead against the cool glass, squeezing my eyes shut as if I can will her into existence through sheer desperation. Please, Selene, I beg silently. Please be okay. I
of the city and Lisa’s ongoing argument
alpha, Lucas doesn’t get to dictate every aspect of our lives!” Lisa’s voice cracks like a whip, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. “Ava’s been through enough. She deserves
is our top priority. We can’t take any chances. Not all the Blackwoods are accounted for, and there’s a good chance they’ll be
Mom and Dad makes me want to vomit, but it’s the memories of Todd’s attack that flash behind
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Life in Westwood (1)
teeth dug into my
my head, rent–free. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early
my head, waiting for the torment of my pack members to end. Of the day I’d resolved to leave my
I work at my jaw, fighting against the wave of nausea. No,
back. And I won’t let anyone make me feel powerless again, not
mentioned that Lisa and I begin training tomorrow. Self–defense and more. I’m looking forward to it in a way that makes me almost want to shy away from
wrong way.
will change a lot of things,
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