Page 97 of Fool Moon First Aid

“She won’t stay, not with what just happened,” I explain, glancing back at Ava. “It’s clear she needs space to process.”

“It’s not safe,” Ethan adds, his protective instincts flaring, despite the tension.

A bitter laugh escapes Ava—a sound that echoes her fraying edges.

“Ethan.” I guide him backward, urging him toward the house. “You’re making everything worse.”

He looks at me, betrayed. “I thought you’d have my back.”

“And I expected more from you,” I retort, frustration bubbling up. “This isn’t about what you want, it’s about what Ava needs.”

“I am alpha!” he roars in an attempt to assert control.

“Then act like it,” I challenge, my resolve firm.

Ava becomes my focus again as I head to the car, tossing her the keys. “Go,” I urge, initially speaking too sharply, so I soften my voice. “Please, just allow us the chance to make this right.”

Ava holds the keys tightly—a silent testament to her internal struggle. “I can’t drive,” she admits, her vulnerability laid bare.

Closing my eyes, I slowly let out a breath, gathering my thoughts. “Come on, I’ll drive you,” I offer, motioning to the car. “Anything you need from the truck?”

“No, not right now,” she decides, making her way to the car and closing the door firmly behind her, leaving Tyler momentarily stunned before he turns away.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I hold the keys, giving us a moment of pause.

“Two days,” I say, hoping for understanding, “then I’ll come for you, and we’ll start learning to drive.”

“Okay,” she whispers. I can’t tell if she’s just burnt out or disassociating from the moment.

I just hope I can fix this.

I can’t lose her.

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.”

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