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 stop scratching.

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266 Ava: Cottage

refusing to be soothed no matter how much

claw at it.

it," I mutter, pacing the length of the room for what feels like the hundredth time. My feet refuse to stay still, bouncing me from one end

of me twitches and tugs,

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking a deep breath as I try to ignore

worry about Lucas-I push it all away, focusing on that strange, new connection I felt with the book. It's like

Breathe in. Breathe out.

inside me vibrates, a faint resonance building. I reach for it with my mind,

260 Ava: Cottage

The world fades away, and I feel

The door creaks open.

eyes snap open, the tenuous connection shattered. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan entering,

he asks, eyebrows furrowing as

smile. "No, I was just meditating. Lost

to the tiny kitchen area. I watch as he starts unpacking, stocking the fridge with water

strawberries.

stuff too," he says, tossing a few items into the cupboards. "Thought

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

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266 Ava: Cottage

sandwich?" he offers, already

the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch

of tuna brings back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering -face flashing in my mind.

myself to

take al bite, forcing myself to chew and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really good-he's

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

sink.

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

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266 Ava: Collage

slides the plate into

the guards. I'm sure he's thinking of the hundreds of times Lisa and I complained about them, but I've really

smile. "I've learned to accept it. Marcus and Vanessa never

some rest, Ava. We'll figure everything out tomorrow. I'm sure Lucas will

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

back soon?"

then will be off duty

you

time. I'm sure they'll

can."

once more. The silence of the cottage feels oppressive, and I find myself longing for Selene's

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