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
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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.
means Ava never wakes up? the logical side of
I don’t know.
because there isn’t much to say.
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, and she hasn’t spoken
16-20
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Lisa Ava’s Absence
I was moving.
money in my bank account every week. He’s not thrilled, but he’s not about
thing for me here in Granite City, and now I’m terrified that she won’t be here much
been
even worried about being pregnant.
Wait. Pregnant.
ever get an
be
that be
good day, but right now, with Ava unconscious in the hospital bed between us,
that kind of question? Hey, Alpha of the
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Ava’s Absence (1)
best friend. Quick question, could getting knocked up by a werewolf, who by the
That’s not
lingers, nagging at the back of my mind. Ava mentioned worrying about being pregnant, but we never really circled back to that topic.
sheets, I can’t help but wonder if
holding it together as it is, his eyes never leaving Ava’s face, his hand gripping hers like he’s trying to anchor her to this
put this on him.
can help, someone who knows about shifter biology
Vanessa.
15.20
Lisa Ava’s
my head, and I latch onto it like a lifeline. She’s the healer who’s been taking care of Ava, the one with the kind eyes and gentle voice. If anyone can answer my questions without making me feel like an
kiss to 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
I get the sense that he’s aware of my every move. It’s unnerving, but also strangely comforting. At least I
the room, letting the door click shut softly behind me. The hallway is quiet, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glare against the white walls and tiled floor. I take a moment to orient myself,
think. Or maybe right?
I can
Ava’s Absence
with questions and
is it? What could
are endless, and each one sends chill down my spine. I wrap my arms around myself, trying
okay, Ava.
and nearly collide with someone coming from the other direction. I stumble back, an apology already forming on my lips, but it
Vanessa.
as surprised as I feel, her eyes widening as she takes in
Suddenly, all of my carefully planned
throat.
16:26
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