Unshift 288
Unshift 288
288 Ava: Healed
Lucas motions toward his arms and legs with a wry smile. "I guess my healing came back with a vengeance." That's an understatement.
My heart pounds as I rush a few feet forward, stopping short at the foot of the bed as I drink him
In.
Alive. Well. Healed.
The strong alpha I remember, even if he doesn't know me anymore.
"Can L... would it be okay if I looked you over?" All the confidence I projected at that receptionist from earlier is gone, and I'm timid in front of my mate, this man with my heart in his hands.
He surprises me by standing up beside the bed, a low chuckle stirring my heart and tear ducts. into production. A slow circle, arms raised, as if showing himself off.
Steady,
Confident.
No trace of the injuries that had left him bedridden.
The familiar planes of his face soften with a lopsided smile that squeezes my heart. I ache to touch him, to assure myself this isn't another dream that will evaporate like mist.
His golden eyes are clear, no longer marred by the hint of pain. The broad shoulders I once clung to stand straight, unbowed by suffering. His skin is unblemished, no longer marred by recent wounds. Joy surges through my veins, bright and buoyant. He's here. Whole. Well, almost.
My vision blurs with tears, and I hiccup in the most unladylike manner. "I'm so glad you're better.
The words aren't enough to convey the depth of my joy over his recovery.
Lucas motions for me to sit on the end of the bed. I perch there, hyper-aware of his presence as he settles on the opposite end. The distance between us feels too far, and I wonder if for him it isn't far enough.
His gaze is still that of a stranger, but his words are more friendly than yesterday. "The mate bond must be real. You're the only change in my treatment. I guess my body recognizes it
somehow.
never finalized ours. Still,
My eyes
I hold
the shoe on the other fit He chuckles. "I can see how that might be strange Like it's someone else's problem. It hurts a little less knowing
strange expression crossing his face. "Your scent... it's different
is, he doesn't seem to like it. "I showered before I came, I insist, my voice higher than usual. "I'm clean." Lucas shakes his head. "No, it's not that. There's something...
my lip, trying to think of what could have changed. Maybe
me?
Lifting my wrist, I waft the bracelet in
to sniff, then shakes his head. "No. Something else.
eyes, reminiscent of the way Lucas used to look at
wrong. By the way his nose wrinkles and he
like how I
my scent? Such
wanted to bury myself in
Should I shower
again. "I think it should be okay. What's
heart drops.
The Blackwood
him in on
nod is heavy on my neck. "Beta Grey
Casual. Powerful. Looking way too good for someone who doesn't want me yet. My body and bond within me yearn to get
muses. "A curious
for either of us, I remind him, and his eyes
I forgot about
288 Ava: Healed
Like it's just some random detail...
these little phrases get me
at my arm, I realize my itching is back, and that string of connection within me is humming, tugging as if to
can't focus on that right
he asks me, studying my
I'm sure you're
Have the doctors said anything about you breaking out of this room? I'm sure desperate to
face shutters, and I wonder what
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