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.
wakes
I don’t know.
silent, because there isn’t
to my friends 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
16-20
2/9
Lisa Ava’s
her I was moving.
in my bank account every week. He’s not thrilled,
the only thing for me here in Granite City, and now I’m terrified that she won’t be here
there’s been so much
even worried about being
Wait. Pregnant.
an answer on
be pregnant?
that be why?
on a good day, but right now, with Ava unconscious
of question? Hey, Alpha of the Westwood Pack, you don’t know
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Lisa: Ava’s Absence (1)
by the way wasn’t you, cause a girl to go into a coma? Asking for a
That’s not happening.
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
sheets, I can’t help but wonder if that could be the
looks like he’s barely holding it together as it is, his eyes never leaving Ava’s face, his
this on him. Not
be someone else who can help, someone who knows about shifter
Vanessa.
15.20
Lisa Ava’s Absence
and I latch onto it like a lifeline. She’s the healer who’s been taking care of Ava, the one with the kind
kiss to the back of Ava’s hand. “I’ll be right back,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear me.
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
The hallway is quiet, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glare against the white walls and tiled floor. I take a
think. Or maybe right?
choose left, figuring I can always
Ava’s
mind churns with questions and worries, each one more
not pregnancy, then what is it? What could possibly cause her to just
chill down my spine. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to ward off
okay, Ava. Please wake
I stumble back, an apology already forming on my lips,
Vanessa.
surprised as I feel, her eyes widening as she takes in my disheveled appearance. “Miss Randall?
come out. Suddenly, all of my carefully planned questions
throat.
16:26
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