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.

moving, can't stop scratching.

20:21

266 Ava: Cottage

be soothed

claw at 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 to the other like a

of me twitches

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

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

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,

Breathe in. Breathe out.

for it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling.

260 Ava: Cottage

and I feel myself

The door creaks open.

open, the tenuous connection shattered. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as I

I wake you?" he asks, eyebrows furrowing as

smile. "No, I was just

but I can 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.

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 bread and a

20:23

5/9

<

266 Ava: Cottage

offers, already

nod, grateful for his thoughtfulness. As he prepares the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch has returned full force, and

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

to

up the 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

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

sink.

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

20:21

6/9

266 Ava: Collage

plate into a drying rack.

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

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

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

not to think about it too much.

back soon?"

head. "They're being debriefed and then will be off duty for

you

entire time. I'm sure they'll visit you once

can."

he leaves, I'm left alone with my thoughts once more. The silence of the cottage feels oppressive, and I

7/9