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
just tell them about Selene.
secrets.
means Ava never wakes up? the logical side of me whispers.
I don’t know.
because there
sure. Mom’s changed our group
16-20
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Lisa Ava’s Absence (1)
I was
puts money in my bank account every week. He’s not thrilled, but he’s not
the only thing for me here in Granite City, and now I’m terrified that she won’t be here much longer.
there’s been
about being
Wait. Pregnant.
ever get an
be
that be
in my stomach as I glance toward Lucas. His presence is intimidating on a good day, but right now, with Ava
you even bring up that kind of question? Hey, Alpha
15:20
3/0
Ava’s
who by the way wasn’t
That’s
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.
and pale against the white hospital sheets, I can’t help but wonder if that could be the reason behind
like he’s barely holding it together as it is, his eyes never leaving Ava’s face, his hand gripping hers like he’s
put this on him. Not now.
who can help, someone who knows about shifter
Vanessa.
15.20
Ava’s Absence (1)
onto it like a lifeline. She’s the healer who’s been taking care of Ava, the one with the kind eyes and
the back of Ava’s hand. “I’ll be right back,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear me. “Just gonna go ask Vanessa
doesn’t acknowledge me, but I get the sense that he’s aware of my every move. It’s unnerving, but also strangely comforting. At least I know he’s not going to let anything happen to Ava while I’m gone.
the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glare against the white walls and tiled floor. I take a moment to orient myself, trying to remember which way
Or maybe
I can always
Ava’s Absence
As I walk, my mind churns with questions and
it? What could
arms around myself, trying to
Ava. Please
an apology
Vanessa.
widening as she takes in my disheveled appearance. “Miss Randall?
mouth, but no words come out. Suddenly, all of my carefully planned questions seem to have vanished, replaced by a thick, choking lump in
throat.
16:26
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