I eye Ivy warily as she smiles at , that warm expression not quite reaching her sharp gaze. "Clayton sent to ensure you settle into your new lodgings comfortably. He personally chose the apartnt himself and hopes it will suit you."
I fight the frown that wants to curl my lips down. "That's very kind of him, but I don't need a place to stay. I'd prefer to just return ho, if it's all the sa."
Ivy's smile doesn't falter, but there's a calculating glint in her eyes now. "And where is ho for you, Ava? No one has managed to get even that basic information out of you yet."
I hesitate, my heart giving a hard thump against my ribs. Telling this woman anything about my past or my origins feels unwise, and thinking that way makes feel guilty. After all, everyone in this pack has treated so kindly, even during my most embarrassing monts.
Pressing my lips together, I refuse as politely as I can. "I just want to return ho. I appreciate the offer, but you all have done too much for as it is."
Ivy watches closely. "I see," she murmurs. "Well, I'll let Clayton know that you refused." She sounds a little too satisfied.
I watch Ivy closely as she takes my hands in hers, searching her face for any hint of deception. There's sothing almost too sincere in the way she looks at . The gentle curve of her lips doesn't match the hardness of her eyes.
"Take care of yourself, Ava," she says softly, giving my hands a gentle squeeze before releasing them.
"Thank you." I'm not really sure how else to respond. She acts so concerned, and yet she's t for all of two minutes.
Ivy turns and crosses the room, plucking a pen from the small table beside the door. She scribbles sothing on the pad of paper there before tearing off the sheet and placing it in my hands.
"That's my number. In case you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call ."
With that, she's gone, the door clicking shut quietly behind her.
I let out a slow breath, glancing at the paper with her looping handwriting scrawled across it.
Selene's growl echoes in my mind. She sounds too cunning by far, pup. Watch yourself around that one.
I frown, picking up the paper and staring at the number as if it might reveal Ivy's true intentions. You think she's up to sothing?
I don't dare speak out loud; I'm sure Ivy would hear .
I think she's scared you will take over the control she has in the pack. As the alpha's sister, she must be pretty high-ranking.
That would make sense.
I shiver. I have no interest in being part of any pack's internal politics. She's probably just misunderstanding Clayton's kindness.
Selene makes a soft sound of dissent in my head. Do not mistake a man's intentions with random kindness, Ava. It will only cause harm for both of you.
* * *
I'm surprised when Clayton strides into the room, his presence instantly commanding my attention. His expression is unreadable as he approaches my bedside, but then he leans down and brushes a soft kiss against my cheek.
"Ava," he murmurs in greeting, the deep rumble of his voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
The easy affection has off balance. Since I'm not in heat anymore, I'd assud he would treat like he did when we first t. "Alpha Clayton," I reply, proud of how steady my voice sounds despite my inner panic.
Clayton takes a seat in the chair beside my bed, his piercing gaze fixed on with an intensity that makes want to squirm. "I hear you refused the apartnt I chose for you."
My cheeks flush at his blunt statent. "I told your sister I didn't need it."
His face is still inscrutable. "And why is that?"
There's an edge to his tone that I can't quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip the thin hospital blanket tightly in my fists, steeling myself.
"I have a life to get back to," I say simply, holding his stare. "A job, an apartnt. I appreciate your generosity, but I don't need charity."
His eyes narrow slightly at my words. "It wasn't charity, Ava. It was an offer to take care of you, to provide for you as is my duty and privilege as your..." He hesitates, then rephrases. "After what transpired between us."
I feel heat bloom in my cheeks at the reference to the passion of the past week. I shake my head. "I told you, I don't want or need anything more from your pack. You've done enough. I should be apologizing for being so much trouble."
Clayton leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. "Tell about this life you're so eager to return to," he says at last. "What's so important that you'd turn down the protection and care of my pack?"
I bristle at his prodding, my defenses rising. "Why does it matter?" I challenge. "It's my life. I don't need to justify myself to you."
His jaw tightens infinitesimally, a muscle ticking there. "As the alpha who claid you, even temporarily, it's my responsibility to ensure your safety and wellbeing. And as a true oga, I don't feel comfortable not being able to keep an eye on you until things settle down. Your identity will draw trouble."
I open my mouth to protest that he doesn't owe anything, that what happened was a mistake, but Selene's voice stops .
Don't be a fool, Ava. He's the alpha. You don't want to provoke his wolf by refusing his care so blatantly. You've already violated pack law by not announcing your presence when you moved here.
I press my lips together, considering. As much as it grates, Selene is right—Clayton is the alpha, and openly defying him could be dangerous. He was polite and kind at our first eting, but things have changed.
I'm not sure what he wants from . I'd expected him to let go; I hadn't expected him to try to keep here, in an apartnt of his choosing.
"I'm just trying to live my own life," I say at last, aiming for a more diplomatic tone. "Away from the politics and expectations of other packs. I don't want to get tangled up in anything else right now."
Clayton's expression softens ever so slightly at my words. "I understand your need for independence," he says quietly. "But you must know that no shifter can survive outside of a pack. You saw the rogues who kidnapped you; they were feral."
I drop my gaze, heat flooding my cheeks again. He's right, of course. Wolves need their packs.
It's just that I'm not a normal wolf.
I can't tell him that, though. I don't need him trying to save from whatever dangers being even more abnormal might bring.
I just want to go ho and drink coffee with Mrs. Elkins and spend my days at the Novel Grind, living quietly. Why is it so hard?
"You'll be able to move in tomorrow," Clayton says, and I jerk my head up in surprise.
"I haven't agreed—"
"Ava." Clayton reaches out to grab my hand, squeezing it gently. He looks conflicted. "I am not one to keep a woman in my pack against her will, but with your identity, I can't let you go. You won't tell anyone what pack you're from…"
"I—"
"It's fine, Ava. I'm not going to pester you for the information. But as an alpha, I can't just overlook the situation. You are in Aspen territory. I'm sorry, but you don't have a choice in this matter. Not until we get things figured out."
Ask him if the apartnt allows dogs, Selene says.
Reviews
All reviews (0)