The apartnt Clayton talked about is in the middle of the city, in a high-rise that towers above every other building in the area. It reeks of money.
I follow Clayton through the opulent lobby, cringing as my sneakers squeak against the polished marble floor. I don't belong here, in this sleek, luxury-through-minimalism space.
Two large n in crisp suits stand by the entrance, their eyes following our every move.
"Guards?" I murmur to Clayton, trying to keep my voice casual despite the unease prickling up my spine.
He nods once, ushering towards the elevators. "For the human residents, yes. We aim to avoid any incidents between humans and shifters."
My eyebrows lift at that, and I risk a sidelong glance at him as we step into the empty elevator car. "Incidents happen often around here?"
Clayton's expression darkens montarily as he hits the button for the top floor. "Not often," he allows. "But no pack is immune. There are always hotheads who lack control, rogues who seek chaos. We have to take precautions."
I absorb that silently, my mind whirling. It was not infrequent to hear my father complaining about young idiots who wandered into the human territory and hard or killed humans. The Blackwood Pack didn't treat humans well. It's different here.
I've seen the differences firsthand, but I still didn't expect humans and shifters to live in the sa building.
The top floor is exclusive. You can see it at first glance; there are only two doors, despite the long hallway. There should be plenty of room for other apartnts, yet there aren't any.
Clayton guides down the corridor to the door on the left, his hand a warm weight against the small of my back. I tense at his touch, my skin tingling with wariness.
"Ho sweet ho," he says, unlocking the door and waving in.
The apartnt is stunning. There are huge windows all along the back of the apartnt. It has an open floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that Clayton has provided, I could easily go bowling in the free space. Or roller skating.
I turn in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the state-of-the-art kitchen tucked into an alcove.
"Wow," I murmur despite myself. "It's..."
"Suitable?" Clayton prompts, watching closely. There's a glint of sothing like pride in his eyes as he surveys my reaction. "I had it outfitted with everything you might need."
I swallow hard, feeling a surge of discomfort at the thought of him making such personal arrangents for . "It's very nice," I manage. "But really, it's too much. I'm happy to find a place on my own—"
"Ava." Clayton steps closer, his height and physical presence suddenly overwhelming. "We've been over this. For now, you need to remain under my protection. This is non-negotiable."
I bristle at his words, that simring sense of independence that has kept going all these years flaring to life. "I don't need your protection," I argue, lifting my chin to et his piercing gaze. "I was doing just fine on my own before—"
"Before you were kidnapped by rogue shifters?" Clayton cuts off, his tone laced with a sharp edge. "Before you went into a heat so potent that even an alpha as disciplined as myself was rendered powerless against it?"
I flush hotly at the mory, heat unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of challenge and sothing darker, more primal.
"You may think you have everything under control," he continues in a low rumble. "But the truth is, you're a rare thing in our world, Ava. An oga with imnse power that you don't fully understand yet. You need guidance and protection until you can learn to master it."
I open my mouth to protest, but Selene's warning rings in my mind.
Don't fight him, Ava. Play along for now, at least until we can find a way out of this ss. Safely.
Grinding my teeth, I force myself to nod. "Fine. I'll stay here for now." The words feel like shards of glass in my mouth.
A muscle ticks in Clayton's jaw, but he inclines his head in acceptance. "Good. Get settled in. My apartnt is across the hall, so I won't be far. There are clothes in the bedroom; I had my secretary shop for them. Of course, we can go shopping if they aren't in your taste—"
"You went shopping?" I hadn't even thought about a change of clothes. I'm wearing so that Clayton had brought over, but I didn't think he'd bought an entire wardrobe.
"You have nothing," he says, as if that's all the explanation that's needed. "The fridge is also stocked, but I'm not sure if anything is to your taste. Soone did bring so dog food and bowls…"
I can feel a thin thread of panic wiggling in my chest. The weight of this kindness is suffocating. I feel like I'm trapped in a gilded cage. How am I supposed to leave when he's taken care of every need before I can even voice it?
Clayton must sense my distress because his expression softens into one of concern. "We can pick up your dog tomorrow if you'd like," he offers, misreading the source of my turmoil. "Though... has soone been taking care of it while you've been gone?"
I latch onto that, grasping at the chance to deflect. "Oh, no need to worry about my dog," I assure him hastily, the lie tripping off my tongue with surprising ease. "I'll take care of it."
He frowns, clearly wanting to protest, but I quickly change the subject. "I actually really want to shower, if that's okay?"
Clayton's jaw tightens minutely, but he nods. "Of course. Fresh towels are in the linen closet, and there are toiletries in the shower. Let know if you need anything else. There's a new phone in the bedroom. It hasn't been set up yet, but we put your SIM card in it.
I assu your phone was the one with the purple case."
I nod.
"Once you have it set, add my number. I have it written down in your room." He hesitates, then steps forward and pulls into a hug.
My entire body stiffens, and he kisses the top of my head gently.
"I know this is weird," he says, his voice soft and understanding. "I'm not going to push you into anything you don't want. I promise, I won't keep you here against your will forever."
And yet—why does that promise feel so hollow to my ears?
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