Tangled

Unshift 266

Unshift 266

266 Ava: Cottage

There's a tiny cottage a few buildings away, with familiar faces guarding the entrance. Their eyes barely flick in my direction as Kellan brings me inside,

reminding me I still have a long way to go in order to gain affection from this pack.

After being in the Fae Ward, I'd almost forgotten how few of even my own guards actually like me.

Most of them are tolerant. Loyal enough, but I wonder now if they would have sacrificed everything to keep me safe when the attacks happened.

Marcus would have. I don't doubt that. I've seen his dedication.

No. No point doubting them. That's no way to start a friendly relationship.

Shaking off the depressed thoughts edging in, I look around the interior, pleasantly surprised once again.

These buildings all look rustic and old from the

outside, but inside, they're clean, fresh, and modern, with bright walls and glossy black trim. It only has one

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266 Ava: Cottage

bedroom, a tiny bathroom with a stand-up shower,

and a tiny kitchen. Two armchairs face a window. No TV or other electronics.

"Where's Selene?" Since I can't see Lucas, I may as well focus on other important things.

"I'm not sure. That's a question you'd have to ask Sister Miriam. Once she stops by, I'll let her know you're here." Kellan checks the fridge. "There's no food, but I'll bring some over."

"I'm okay tonight," I say quickly, not wanting him to work any harder. My stomach grumbles, immediately revealing the lie for what it is.

"I'll get you something," he says firmly, walking away before I can argue.

While he's gone, I explore the tiny house a little more closely. There's no dust. The air isn't stale. It's been freshly cleaned, and the bedsheets and comforter don't sport a single wrinkle. Squishing down on one of the pillows, I watch it bounce back. Fluffy pillows. I like fluffy pillows. I need two of them under my head and if I'm really fancy, a third for between my knees. When I lived with my 200 Ava: Cottage

parents, I had a single pillow that was as flat as a pancake. Nothing like these.

Scratching at my arms, I peek through the cabinets of the bathroom. Women's sanitary supplies under the toilet, different styles. Good call; I'm due for my period

soon.

We're out of heat suppressants, which didn't worry me before we got here because we were coming to Lucas. Now, I'm a little worried.. At least my last dose is still working.

The crescent scar on my neck burns, and I rake my nails over it, scratching frantically. It's like a thousand tiny itches merged into one.

The energy thrumming in my veins kicked up a notch after leaving the hospital. It-and my bond-are angry that we left Lucas' proximity Well, sorry. I didn't make the rules.

If I could imagine my bond as a person, it's definitely someone flipping a table in my chest, sending my heart flip-flopping with the force of its annoyance.

stop moving, can't

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266 Ava: Cottage

refusing to be soothed

claw at it.

of the room for what feels like the hundredth time.

string inside of me

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

I toe off my shoes and cross

my eyes, trying to shut out the world around me. The incessant itching, the restless energy, the worry about Lucas-I push it all away, focusing on that strange, new connection I felt with the book. It's

Breathe in. Breathe out.

reach for it with my mind,

260 Ava: Cottage

and I feel

The door creaks open.

I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips

eyebrows furrowing as he

I was just meditating. Lost my

in his eyes. He doesn't push it, though, instead moving to the tiny kitchen area. I watch as he

strawberries.

says, tossing a few items into the cupboards. "Thought you might

growls. I hadn't realized how famished I was until

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266 Ava: Cottage

sandwich?" he offers, already

the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch has returned full force,

help but wrinkle my nose. The smell of tuna brings back unwelcome memories

to be

bad. It's actually really good-he's

unreadable. When I'm finished, he takes the plate, rinsing it in

sink.

take care of myself," I protest, but

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266 Ava: Collage

stiffens, turning back to me as he slides the plate into a drying rack. "You'll

he mentions the guards. I'm sure he's thinking of the hundreds

"I've learned to accept it. Marcus

everything

sound sure, but I try not to think about it too much.

back soon?"

then will be off duty

you

I'm sure they'll visit you once

can."

The silence of the cottage feels oppressive, and I find myself longing

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