Fated hearts

Chapter six-Shadows in Coventry

Ava

I want to run after Lizzy, to demand what she meant with all those vicious accusations—especially when she should be sympathizing with me for her fiancé’s behavior. But the cashier at the counter is already watching. It’s my first day at work. I can’t afford drama or unwanted attention.

So I force a smile, shrug casually, and return to arranging the shelves as if my heart isn’t twisting painfully inside my chest.

When my shift ends at twelve, I pass Lucas’s office. The urge to check on him is strong, but I remember his warning: go home straight after work. So I keep walking.

Amanda is just stepping out of the apartment as I arrive. She beams at me.

“How was your first day at work?” she asks.

“Good!” I smile back.

We chat a little before she hurries off.

Inside our small room, I sink onto the bed, Lizzy’s words replaying like a broken record. Richard must have twisted the story—again. What a vile man. I need to find Lizzy and make her understand the truth before she marries someone who thrives on lies.

Lucas

As I prepare to leave after a long day, my thoughts drift repeatedly to Ava. I hope her first shift wasn’t too exhausting. She tries to appear strong, but I know the weight she carries.

The day hasn’t been smooth for me either.

Sandra had approached me earlier, claiming something was wrong with my locker. Thinking someone had tampered with my belongings, I rushed downstairs—only to find everything exactly as I left it.

Confused and annoyed, I turned to leave… and stopped short.

Sandra was blocking the door.

She closed it behind us, then slowly began unbuttoning her blouse, eyes smoldering with intent.

“What are you doing?” I gasped.

“Showing you what you’ve been missing,” she murmured, lowering her lashes as the blouse slid open to expose her breasts.

Human desperation. I never knew it could be this shameless.

“Stop this. Someone might come in,” I warned.

“No one’s around. Everyone’s busy upstairs. It’s just us.”

“So what do you want, Sandra?”

“I want you. I need you, Lucas.”

“Cover yourself,” I snapped.

“Not until you agree to have me.”

She stepped closer, her body pressed forward like an offering I never asked for. But my heart belongs to Ava—only Ava. No one else stirs me.

I moved toward the door to push her aside and escape, but she must have sensed my intention.

“If you don’t touch me,” she hissed, “I’ll scream rape.”

For a moment, I froze. The accusation alone could destroy me. I couldn’t reveal what I truly was—not here. Not in a human town.

I had to think fast.

Jasper—the security guard.

He was the only one who could help.

I pulled out my phone to call him.

Panic flickered across her face.

“Who are you calling?” she snapped, fumbling to button her blouse.

I didn’t answer. When she stepped aside, I pushed the door open. And as if the universe pitied me, Henessy—the junior staff supervisor—was walking toward the locker room.

“There you are, Lucas. I’ve been looking for you,” he said.

A narrow escape. Too narrow.

---

As expected, Ava is already home. The moment I walk through the door, she rushes into my arms, hugging and kissing me like she always does when we’ve been apart for too long. I hold her tightly, grateful for the peace her presence brings.

“How was your first day, love?” I ask, brushing her cheek with my thumb.

“It was fine. Come and freshen up,” she replies gently.

But something flickers in her eyes. She’s hiding something. I don’t push. She always opens up in time.

Eventually she tells me about her encounter with Lizzy.

My blood boils.

“How dare she? And how dare Richard lie against you?”

I make a silent vow: I’ll confront him. He will apologize—both of them will.

Lucas (Later)

After work the next day, I head straight to Richard’s place. His company closes when mine does, so I’m sure he’ll be home.

When I step off the bus and start walking toward his street, a strange scent hits me like a slap.

A wolf.

My instincts surge.

Hiding behind a building, I spot a figure speaking with a man, his back turned to me. Even without seeing his face, I know—this isn’t just any wolf. He’s from home.

One of Orion’s men.

He gestures animatedly as if describing something. The human man shakes his head repeatedly, confused.

My phone rings.

Henry.

“Orion’s men are in Coventry. You and Ava need to be careful,” he warns.

“I’m looking at one of them right now,” I whisper.

Ava.

My heart lurches violently.

I turn and sprint back toward our apartment.

I have to get to her.

I have to warn her.

I have to protect her.

Before Orion’s men find her first.