Unshift

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.

I can’t stop moving, can’t stop scratching. My skin

20:21

266 Ava: Cottage

crawls, refusing to be soothed no matter how much I

claw at it.

“Damn 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 pinball.

The string inside of me twitches and tugs, reminding

me of its existence.

Kellan’s still not back.

Throwing myself into one of the armchairs, I toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking a deep breath as I try to ignore the itching.

I close my eyes, trying to shut out the world around me. The incessant itching, the restless energy, 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, but I can sense it if I concentrate hard enough.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The string inside me vibrates, a faint resonance building. I reach for it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling. It’s like chasing smoke but I

260 Ava: Cottage

persist. The world fades away, and I feel myself getting closer, closer…

The door creaks open.

My eyes snap open, the tenuous connection shattered. I can’t help the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan entering, his arms laden with groceries.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” he asks, eyebrows furrowing as he takes in my expression.

I shake my head, forcing a smile. “No, I was just meditating. Lost my focus for a second there.”

Kellan nods, 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 bottles and a carton of

strawberries.

“I brought some other stuff too,” he says, tossing a few items into the cupboards. “Thought you might be hungry.”

As if on cue, my stomach growls. I hadn’t realized how famished I was until now. Kellan chuckles, pulling out bread and a can of tuna.

20:23

<

266 Ava: Cottage

“How about a sandwich?” he offers, already reaching for a plate.

I 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 I resist the urge to scratch.

Kellan places the sandwich 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 push the thought away,

reminding myself to be grateful.

“Thanks, Kellan,” I say, picking 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 association.

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

sink. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“You don’t have to do that. I can take care of myself,” I protest, but he waves me off “Don’t worry about it. Relax. I’ll be by in the morning.”

20:21

266 Ava: Collage

He stiffens, turning back to me as he slides the plate into a drying rack. “You’ll have guards at all times.”

There’s a hint of worry 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 a long way since then.

“It’s fine,” I assure him, mustering up a smile. “I’ve learned to accept it. Marcus and Vanessa never left me alone while we were gone.”

He nods, looking relieved. “Get some rest, Ava. We’ll figure everything out tomorrow. I’m sure Lucas will be happy to see you.”

He doesn’t sound sure, but I try not to think about it too much. “Thanks, Kellan. Will Marcus and Vanessa be

back soon?”

He shakes his head. “They’re being debriefed and then will be off duty for a few days, since they’ve been with

you

this entire time. I’m sure they’ll visit you once they

can.”

As he leaves, I’m left alone with my thoughts once more. The silence of the cottage feels oppressive, and I find myself longing for Selene’s presence. Without

266 Ava: Cottage

her, without Lucas, I feel incomplete.

That sense was dulled by the proximity of Marcus and Vanessa, who I’m just now realizing I recognized and accepted as my pack, while we were in Dakota Sanctuary. Now, I’m alone, with a couple guards outside my door who weren’t even happy to see my

return.

It’s weird. I never minded being away from wolves before. My time in Cedarwood was a peaceful blessing.

Now? It’s like some sort of force pressing on me, reminding me that I’m alone.

I guess once you have friends and companionship, it’s hard to be without them. Wolves are pack animals,

after all. Even a bizarre shifter like me is bound to have these feelings, right?

I curl up in the armchair, hugging my knees to my

chest.

The string inside me pulses, a constant reminder of the connection I can’t quite grasp. I close my eyes, trying once more to reach for that elusive feeling.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

The world fades

Awa

and I focus on that gossamer

266 Ava: Cottage

thread. This time, without interruption, I feel it growing stronger. The resonance builds, vibrating through my entire being, and I can feel it moving around. It’s rhythmic, like it’s dancing.

Familiar and alien.

Comforting and terrifying.

New Book!

J

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