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

20:21

266 Ava: Cottage

soothed no matter

claw at it.

the hundredth time.

of me

me of its existence.

Kellan's still not back.

of the armchairs, I toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking

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.

it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling. It's like chasing smoke

260 Ava: Cottage

The world fades away, and I feel myself getting

The door creaks open.

the tenuous connection shattered. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see

you?" he asks, eyebrows furrowing as

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

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

strawberries.

tossing a

famished I was until now. Kellan chuckles, pulling out bread and

20:23

5/9

<

266 Ava: Cottage

offers, already reaching for a

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

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 mind. I

to be

It's actually really good-he's mixed it with basil and peppers, adding a nice bit of crunch and flavor. It's just...

I'm finished, he takes the plate,

sink.

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

20:21

6/9

266 Ava: Collage

the plate into a drying rack.

in his voice as he mentions the guards. I'm sure he's thinking of the hundreds of times Lisa and I complained about them, but I've really come

to accept it. Marcus and Vanessa never

some rest, Ava. We'll figure everything out

I try not to think about it too much. "Thanks, Kellan. Will Marcus and Vanessa

back soon?"

be off duty

you

I'm sure they'll visit you once

can."

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

7/9