34. Ava

"You know,"Eloise begins, a mix of playfulness and concern in her tone, "having you here doesn't bother me in the least, but let's face it—it's been twenty-four hours, and you're demolishing your tenth pint of ice cream. As your friend, I feel it's my duty to intervene before your body starts protesting against the relentless assault of monkey dough, or whatever bizarre flavor you're on now."

I glare at my best friend, who's comfortably nestled on the other end of her cozy couch. Her bright eyes meet mine. The edge of her sweater slips down her shoulder, revealing a hint of skin and the bite scar just above her breast. Neither of us mention it. When I landed on her doorstep yesterday, with tears streaming down my face while pleading for shelter, she didn't ask any questions. She only shot Brody, who dropped me off, a look sharp enough to cut glass before sending me off to shower. By the time I reemerged, she was handing me a brand-new phone, courtesy of Ethan Hughes. That phone, still boxed up, now seems to mock me with its sleek, unopened promise.

With a sigh, I glance out the window, watching the sun flirt with the horizon. It's Friday. Eloise spent the morning at our clinic, and I couldn't help but notice the paperwork scattered across her dining table, all aimed at purchasing the clinic. Suddenly, I'm hit with a desire to do something wildly out of character, like hit a club and drink until I forget my own name, or find someone to drown my frustrations with.

"Earth to Ava." Eloise's gentle voice reels me back in, her concern wrapped in a soft smile that makes me want to believe everything will be okay.

"Call Mia," I mutter, scooping up the last bite of my ice cream. She's right—my sugar intake is off the charts. Surprisingly, my body seems to be handling it well. Must be thanks to these new, enhanced genetics of mine. "I'm only doing this once."

"Perfect timing," Eloise chirps, bounding off the couch to fling open the front door, revealing a surprised Mia on the other side. "See?" She grins at me, triumphant.

"Your love bites are showing," Mia comments, eyeing the vampire marks on Eloise's breast with a mix of concern and indifference.

"Impeccable timing," Eloise counters with a flourish, ushering Mia in with a gesture that's almost too grand before slamming the door shut with a smile that, to me, seems a touch too gleeful. "Had to break it off with him though. The ride was wild, but…"

I can't help but smile at Mia's horrified expression.

She pauses, giving Eloise a long, measured look. "One of these days, you're going to get bitten by someone you wish hadn't."

"I hope that's a promise," she whispers. "I love it rough."

"For fuck's sake, Ellie." Mia's frustration is palpable as she pinches the bridge of her nose. "No. Just no. No, no, no."

Eloise counters with a mischievous bop on Mia's nose. "Yes, yes, yes, is my preferred response."

Mia turns to me, her expression silently screaming for backup.

"She's been sharing her location," I say, not sure if my words are helpful.

"Which is utterly pointless if you're living off the grid," Mia remarks, nodding toward the untouched phone box on the coffee table.

"I'll deal with that phone when I'm good and ready," I declare, pulling my blanket—a temporary loan from Eloise—up to my chin and placing my ice cream right next to the phone box, concealing it. If I can't see it, then it doesn't exist.

"Ava," Mia starts, dropping her purse onto what can only be described as an available space in Eloise's apartment. "Eloise mentioned your dramatic entrance, sans a broken ankle. Why don't we start from there?"

I let out a groan, my head falling back against the borrowed pillow. Above me, the ceiling transforms into a night sky, thanks to Eloise's decorating whimsy. She painted it black and dotted it with little stars—not just any stars, but plastic, glow-in-the-dark ones she bedazzled and glued up there herself.

"I don't even know where to begin," I mutter. Starting from my healed ankle isn't going to work, so I have to go further back.

"I have the perfect starting point…" Eloise announces, her voice trailing off as she vanishes down her hallway.

"I'm wary of whatever she's about to drag back here." I tilt my head, watching her walk away.

"Say nothing," Mia says as she sheds her coat, revealing a frog onesie underneath. It's a sight that demands commentary, but she preempts me with, "Eloise ambushed my cozy night in—pajamas, wine, and a Netflix binge."

"They are?—"

"Don't even start," Mia warns, the fire in her eyes daring me to continue. "Everyone's allowed their quirks."

"You look fantastic," I tell her, biting my lip to hold back a laugh. "Adorable even."

"All right, we have peach and blue raspberry," Eloise interjects, reappearing in the living room in her pajamas, wielding two small bags of candies like trophies.

"What on earth are those?" Mia asks, skepticism thick in her voice as she grabs a bottle of water from her bag, eyeing Eloise with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"This feels like a conversation that could use a bit of…enhancement. Ava doesn't drink, after all," Eloise replies, her tone dripping with an innocence that fails to mask the mischief in her eyes. Behind that cute exterior lies a determination that outstrips both Mia and me by miles.

"That's not an explanation, Ellie," Mia retorts, pointing her water bottle at the suspicious baggies. "What are they, really?"

"Candy," Eloise drawls, her frustration evident. "Okay, fine. It's fae candy."

Mia does a spit take.

"Where did you get fae candy?" My interest is piqued, and I sit up straighter.

Fae candy is in a legal gray zone—not outright banned but not exactly approved for public consumption. Everyone has their escapes. Some choose alcohol, others nicotine or marijuana, but for those of us a bit more…unique, our rapid metabolisms make such mundane vices nearly ineffective. The buzz hits too quickly and dissipates just as fast. It's why vampires might sip from someone tipsy, seeking a borrowed euphoria.

Hearing tales about shifters and their moonbrew always piqued my interest—a concoction steeped in herbs and moon water, rumored to be spiked with a drop of shifter blood for an extra kick—but now, standing in front of Eloise as she wields bags of fae candy, I'm introduced to a whole new level of mystical indulgence. These aren't your average sweets. They are crafted with an artistry only the fae possess. The ingredients? Nothing short of magical—crystallized nectar from twilight blossoms that only open under a crescent moon, morning dew powder from the oldest willow trees, and a hint of aurora borealis essence, snagged during those fleeting celestial moments. Each piece is laced with a hint of fae magic, shimmering and beckoning with an irresistible flavor.

Some promise a rush of euphoria, dialing up happiness and coloring the world in vibrant hues. Others boost magic—a boon for spiritkin, fae, or even witches. Then there are the more adventurous kinds, offering lucid dreaming, where the realms of imagination know no bounds. They all come with a side of ethereal sense of floating, leaving you feeling as light as air, a sensation all too familiar to the fae.

Eloise wiggles the bags enticingly. "Totally safe, I swear. I had one just last night."

"This is an awful idea," Mia mutters, yet her intrigue wins as she reaches out. "Bliss, please, but steer clear of the blue raspberry," she adds, scrunching her nose. "They are basically love potions."

"Oops," Eloise responds, not a hint of actual apology in her voice. "Bliss it is."

"Hit me with one," I chime in, catching them off guard. "We have enough time to order in before the magic hits."

"Thai!" Eloise bursts with excitement, practically vibrating on the spot.

Mia hands me a little gummy. "Here goes nothing." I toss it into my mouth. I could eat some spicy noodles, but I don't know if that's what I really want. When I sat here with them like this before, we always had my mama's cooking in our freezer.

"No worse than popping an antidepressant, I suppose," Mia says, throwing one back before passing the bags to Eloise. "Be ready for a slumber party in your bed tonight."

"Spare blankets are already out!" Eloise beams, nearly tripping over herself to get to her stash of takeout menus. "Ava, what's your craving?"

"Mexican, like Mama's," I say, a wave of homesickness crashing over me. At the mention of my mom's cooking, Eloise and Mia exchange a look of shared sorrow.

"Your mom's cooking was legendary." Eloise hands me the takeout menus, her eyes soft with remembrance.

"I was a fan too," Mia adds, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Let's go with Mexican."

"Thanks," I say, my voice catching with all the feelings I've been holding back. They've been my pillars, my steady ground, when everything else seemed to fall apart. I've missed this feeling of togetherness and safety. I breathe steadily, brush away a stray tear that dares to escape, and then turn my attention to the menu, ready to be distracted. "P-six, and make it spicy."

"How many fire emojis are we talking?" Eloise jokes, pen in hand.

"Three." I manage a laugh, despite the heavy moment. "I'd like to sleep tonight without heartburn."

"Any kind of tacos for me," Mia says, her eyes never leaving the paper. "One emoji."

"Got it," Eloise sings, already dialing on her phone.

"Sometimes, I worry about her," Mia whispers, her gaze lingering on Eloise. "She's just too much of a free spirit."

"Isn't that a good thing?" I can't help but frown, puzzled by where Mia's heading with this. My eyes go back to Eloise. Sure, she's a wildcard, but she's always played it safe.

Mia scoffs, her voice laced with a mix of worry and exasperation. "She's flirting with danger."

"It's her life," I murmur, a shadow passing over my heart as I think of Eloise and my mom. They share this fierce independence, and even if I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't dare dictate their choices.

"I get it's her choice," Mia admits, her face clouded with concern. "I just—" She pauses, sighing deeply. "I can't stand the thought of losing her like we lost your mom."

Eloise strides in then, breaking the tension with a tray of mocktails that glow green. "Hey, no need for all that pessimism," she says before turning to Mia with a softened expression. "Your worry means a lot."

"That's it?" Mia's frustration bubbles over.

"What should I say? Thank you?" Eloise's voice lifts, confused and a bit playful. "Let's not bring Ava's mom into this with guesses and what-ifs."

"What are we talking about?" I cut in as I accept one of the mocktails. It's a blend of peach juice, carbonation, and a splash of cherry—absolutely divine.

"When your mom passed," Eloise presses on, ignoring Mia's disapproving glance, "there were whispers."

"I need details," I press, the mocktail forgotten in my hand.

Mia turns to me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I was at the gas station after the funeral, and I overheard a conversation. They didn't see me, but they mentioned seeing your mom having lunch with Alpha Hughes' beta."

I'm speechless, my mind racing to piece together this new information. "Can you say that again?"

"They were talking about your mom living on clan lands," Eloise chimes in, her voice steady. "Those guys were shifters, Ava."

"I shifted," I whisper, the revelation feeling both foreign and eerily fitting. A few days ago, I would have scoffed at such an idea, but now, everything falls into place. Mama was trying to live on clan lands?

"Did you just say—" Mia's eyes widen in disbelief.

"Shifted." I nod firmly. "Into a wolf to escape Elijah."

"That's…unexpected," Eloise admits, taking a sip of her drink.

Mia shakes her head. "Yeah, didn't see that coming. How about you give us the quick version, and we can unpack the details after?"

"Sounds like a plan, because my brain is on a mini vacation this week," I joke, trying to lighten the mood. I don't feel lighthearted, far from it. "So here's CliffsNotes—we're fated mates, his pack is constantly under attack, and Ethan is lined up to be the next pack alpha. Then there's the dinner my dad insisted on." I shoot Mia a pointed look. "You were the one who told me to take off the rose-colored glasses about him, and boy, did I listen," I say with a mix of gratitude and annoyance.

"I never suggested you marry the guy," Mia retorts, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

"The Castellons were…" I start, feeling a shiver run through me. "They were like something out of a horror movie. They left me alone with him, and let's just say his countdown has begun." I rush through the highlights for them. "My dad storms in, declares I'm married, which somehow triggers me. I shift out of pure stress, bolt, then shift back, and poof, all my injuries have healed. Next thing I know, I'm at this adorable ice-cream shop with Ethan—the same kid who bit my finger when we were little." I shoot Eloise a glare for emphasis.

Did I skim over the worst parts? Yes. Am I going to give them the true horrifying details? No. Some things are best left unsaid.

"Oh, that kid." Eloise's eyebrows climb up her forehead, clearly recalling the tales Mia and I spun about him.

"Your childhood nemesis turned wolf," Mia deadpans, leaning back with a dramatic thud.

"Anyway…" I roll my eyes at them, eager to move on. "I spend the night with Tyler and wake up to this she-wolf telling Brody that my dad's the head of the Puritas. Then, the cherry on top, I find out Ethan has packed up my entire apartment without bothering to ask," I finish, my breath heavy from the rapid-fire recap.

"Oh, is that all?" Eloise quips, sarcasm heavy in her voice.

"I might have glossed over a few things," I admit, feeling the weight of everything crashing down on me.

"The juicy details, you mean," Mia interjects, shaking her head in disbelief. "So where do we begin to dive in?"

"Her dad," Eloise says, assuming she's helping. "We start there."

"Eloise, chill. Let Ava take the lead. It's her story," Mia corrects her, but her heart is in the right place.

"It's fine, starting with my dad does make sense," I concede, knowing it's the right starting point. "I've spent years under his roof, following orders without question."

"But you always had your music," Mia reminds me, trying to find a silver lining. "Seriously, it's a wonder you're not more messed up."

"Oh!" Eloise laughs, pointing at Mia. "Those fae candies are definitely doing their magic."

"I'm beginning to regret sharing," I confess, the absurdity of my situation hitting me full force. "The crazy part? If they'd just asked, I would have been on board to take down my dad." The words feel like a declaration of war, and a strange mix of resolve and dread settles over me. "Maybe it's the candies talking, or maybe it's destiny," I ponder, feeling oddly at peace with the idea.

"You're not going after your dad," Mia states firmly, giving my cheek a light slap. "Get that out of your head."

Eloise snickers and hiccups. "She doesn't even realize she said that aloud."

The doorbell rings, pulling me away from our bubble of conspiracy. "I have it. You two enjoy your giggle fest," I say, making my way to the door. They might find humor in this situation, but deep down, I know I'm setting myself on a path to confront my dad. The how remains a mystery, but one way or another, he's going to get what's coming to him.

I grip the doorknob and fling the door open. Tyler's there, looking all kinds of awkward with our takeout bags in hand. Planting one hand firmly on the doorframe and popping my hip out, I serve him my best glare. "Start talking."

"Hungry?" he asks, extending the bags toward me as his cheeks blaze a telltale red.

"Tyler…" I snatch the bags, quickly offloading them onto Mia, who practically has her ear pressed to the door. "Why are you here?"

His eyes dart to the girls and then back to me. "I made a promise to always keep you safe, didn't I?"

Eloise is practically melting against the wall next to the door, her eyes twinkling like she caught sight of a shooting star or the spirit comet. "Oh, to have someone say that about me…"

"Suffocate you?" I retort, instantly regretting my snark. My eyes go wide at my implication.

As Tyler's face shifts through the entire red spectrum, he starts, "Butterfly," only to be cut off by Eloise's delighted moan.

"Can we not?" I physically haul her away, passing her to Mia like a hot potato, then I zero my attention back in on Tyler, who's now fighting back a smirk.

"I'm not here to justify Ethan's actions?—"

"He was out of line," I cut in sharply.

Tyler holds up his hands in surrender. "You're right," he concedes, the earnestness in his voice striking a chord. "And I'm not here to apologize for him."

"Good, because you shouldn't," I snap back, feeling both anger and appreciation for his honesty.

"But," he continues, a touch of vulnerability showing as he rubs the back of his neck, "I owe you an apology for not being there for you, for not having your back. Give me a chance to prove we're worthy of you."

Chewing on my cheek, I mull over his words. Part of me wants to believe him, to let him in, but I'm not about to make it easy. "Fine, I'll let you try."

The smile he gives me is enough to make my heart do backflips. "Let me take you out tomorrow."

"Lunch," I blurt out, instantly regretting how eager I sound.

"Lunch," he echoes, then he smirks again. "Lunch."

"That smile spells trouble," I note, just as he swoops in for a quick kiss—a habit of his I'm getting dangerously used to.

"Good night, Tyler," I whisper as he steps back, my fingers lingering on my lips.

"Sleep well, butterfly," he calls over his shoulder, whistling a carefree tune as he walks away.

"I'm calling it now—she caves in a week," Mia announces from the dining area, unpacking our dinner. "I want every scandalous detail."

"Don't skip anything," Eloise commands, guiding me to the table with a devilish grin. "Like, how big is his?—"

I almost spit out my drink. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," she presses on, unabashed curiosity shining in her eyes. "Also, is the alpha knot thing real, or just some fantasy from my romance novels?"

I cough, and Eloise gives me a slap on the back for good measure.

"No knot," I say between coughs, much to her dismay. I would have felt that in the woods… The scene flashes behind my eyes, and I feel heat rise in my cheeks.

"Well, that's disappointing," she mutters, then bounces back with, "Okay, but really, how big is it?"

"Eloise!" Mia and I exclaim in unison, our embarrassment mingling with amusement.

I eventually cave, spilling every last detail into the early hours, our laughter filling the room.

Damn, I missed them.