108 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (I)
LISA
Lucas is bigger than I thought he’d be.
The thought comes randomly as I stare at him across Ava’s bed. He never spares me a glance; he’s attuned to her every breath. There’s pain etched across his face that makes my heart ache for him.
I’m hurting, too. But this fated mate connection that
shifters have…
It’s on another level.
Kissing the back of Ava’s hand, I lower my head to pray for the hundredth time today.
Dear Lord, please hear my prayer. I know I don’t go to church and I don’t follow your commandments. I know
I’m a terrible Christian. I’m not even sure I am
Christian. But I know you’re supposed to care about all of us, so please–if you’re listening–please, save Ava.
She deserves so much more than this.
Of course, there’s no answer. Half of me is hoping for a miracle, but the other half knows the prayer’s
15:25
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108 Lisa Ava’s Absence (1)
pointless.
There’s nothing any of us can do.
The doctors are confused. All they can say is that she’s stable and should wake up when she’s ready.
But why is she even in this bed in the first place?
We didn’t do anything extra strenuous.
She’s been healing fine.
So why?
Vanessa’s words about Ava’s wolf have me worried, but
about Selene. These
secrets.
the secret means Ava never wakes up? the logical
I don’t know.
I stay silent, because there isn’t much to
and family. My parents are still pissed at me, I’m pretty sure. Mom’s changed our group chat name from My Happy Randalls to Empty Nest Randalls with a sad emoji,
16-20
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Lisa Ava’s
I was
every week. He’s not thrilled, but he’s not about to let me
the only thing for me here in Granite City, and now I’m terrified
Maybe. But there’s been so much lately…
even worried about being
Wait. Pregnant.
ever get an answer
be pregnant?
be why?
lead weight in my stomach as I glance toward Lucas. His presence is intimidating on a good day, but right now, with Ava unconscious in the hospital bed between us, it’s
do you even bring up that kind of question? Hey, Alpha of the Westwood Pack, you don’t know me, but
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Lisa: Ava’s
question, could getting knocked up by a werewolf, who by the way wasn’t you, cause a
no. That’s not
nagging at the back of my mind. Ava mentioned worrying about being pregnant, but we never really circled back to that topic. There was always something else going on, some new crisis.
the white hospital sheets, I can’t help but wonder if that could be
is, his eyes never leaving Ava’s face, his
I can’t put this on him.
can help,
Vanessa.
15.20
Ava’s
care of Ava, the one with the kind eyes and gentle voice. If anyone can answer
back,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear me. “Just
gaze flickering to Lucas. He doesn’t acknowledge me, but I get the sense that he’s aware of my every move.
squeeze of Ava’s hand, I slip out of the room, letting the door click shut softly behind me. The hallway is quiet, the fluorescent lights casting
I think. Or
can always backtrack if
Lisa Ava’s Absence (1)
to. As I walk, my mind churns with questions and worries, each one more unsettling than
What could possibly cause
endless, and each one sends chill down my spine. I wrap my arms around myself, trying
be okay, Ava. Please
with someone coming from the other direction. I stumble back, an apology already forming on my lips, but it dies in my throat when I see who it is.
Vanessa.
eyes widening as she takes
out. Suddenly, all of my carefully planned questions seem to
throat.
16:26
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