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.

can't

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266 Ava: Cottage

to be soothed no matter how much

claw at it.

the room for what feels like the hundredth time. My feet refuse to stay still, bouncing me from

of me twitches

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

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 like a gossamer thread, barely there, but I can sense it if

Breathe in. Breathe out.

faint resonance building. I reach for it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling. It's like chasing

260 Ava: Cottage

world fades away, and I feel myself getting closer,

The door creaks open.

the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan

eyebrows furrowing as he takes in my

forcing a smile. "No, I was just meditating. Lost my focus for a second

see the concern in his eyes. He doesn't push it, though, instead moving to the tiny kitchen area. I watch as he starts unpacking, stocking the fridge with water

strawberries.

brought some other stuff too," he says, tossing a few items into the

I was

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266 Ava: Cottage

offers, already reaching for a

he prepares the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch

but wrinkle my nose. The smell of tuna brings back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering -face

myself to be

sandwich. I take al bite, forcing myself to chew and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really good-he's mixed it with basil and peppers, adding a nice bit of crunch and flavor. It's just... tainted by

me eat, his expression unreadable. When I'm finished, he takes the plate, rinsing

sink.

protest, but he waves me off "Don't worry about it.

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266 Ava: Collage

plate into a drying rack. "You'll have

thinking of the hundreds of times Lisa and I complained about them, but

assure him, mustering up a smile. "I've learned to accept it. Marcus and Vanessa never left me alone

looking relieved. "Get some rest, Ava. We'll figure everything out tomorrow. I'm sure Lucas

think about it too much. "Thanks, Kellan. Will Marcus and

back soon?"

"They're being debriefed and then will be

you

entire time. I'm sure they'll

can."

more. The silence of

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