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

20

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

20:21

266 Ava: Cottage

to be soothed no matter

claw at it.

hundredth time. My feet refuse to stay

me twitches and tugs,

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

into one of the armchairs, I toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking a deep breath as

worry about Lucas-I push it all away, focusing on

Breathe in. Breathe out.

building. I reach for it with my mind, trying

260 Ava: Cottage

fades away, and I feel myself

The door creaks open.

I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan entering, his arms laden with

wake you?" he asks, eyebrows furrowing as he takes in

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

to the tiny

strawberries.

a few

stomach growls. I hadn't realized how famished I was until now. Kellan chuckles, pulling

20:23

5/9

<

266 Ava: Cottage

sandwich?" he offers, already reaching

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

in front of me, and I can't help but wrinkle my nose. The smell of tuna brings back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering -face flashing in my

myself to be

myself to chew and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really

eat, his expression unreadable. When I'm finished, he

sink.

do that. I can take care of myself," I protest, but he waves me off "Don't worry about

20:21

6/9

266 Ava: Collage

slides the plate into a drying

a hint of worry in his voice as he mentions the guards. I'm sure he's thinking of the hundreds

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

everything

but I try not to think about it too much. "Thanks, Kellan. Will

back soon?"

head. "They're being debriefed and then will be off duty for a few days, since they've been

you

time. I'm sure they'll visit

can."

silence of the cottage feels oppressive, and I

7/9