Ava: Wounded

Consciousness is fleeting and unreliable. The gentle vibration of the car is a cadence that lulls me into a state of semi-awareness, reality blurring with dreams. I alternate between understanding that I'm safe to fearing that Phoenix has me in his grasp. Sometimes, I can hear Alpha Renard's cruel words. I even dream of Sister Miriam.

Suddenly, a voice cuts through the haze, piercing my muddled thoughts with startling clarity. It's a voice I recognize, though I can't quite place it. My eyelids flutter open, and I find myself enveloped in a pair of strong arms, cradled against a broad chest.

It feels wrong.

So, not Lucas?

As my vision adjusts, I make out the rugged features of Kellan Ashbourne, Lucas's beta. His eyes are fixed on me, a mixture of concern and relief etched onto his face.

"Ava," he says, his voice gentle and soothing, like cool water after on a hot summer day. Ah, I'm poetic in my delirium.