Ava's POV
As soon as I returned from the hospital, I went to my room, sat down, and got back to work immediately, ignoring the dull, persistent ache in my wrist.
My wolf stirred in quiet protest, irritated by the strain, but I pushed it down.
Pain was nothing new. Focus was everything.
Time blurred. The world narrowed to the fragile piece in my hands, the delicate curves, the fine lines I was trying to restore. My movements were careful despite the stiffness in my fingers.
I didn’t notice anyone enter. I didn’t catch the scent at first. It wasn’t until a small, fast shadow moved across my line of sight that my wolf twitched in irritation.
I paused and looked up. It was Jasper. I lowered my gaze and returned to my work without a word.
“Why does what you’re making look like Mom’s?” he
