Ava's POV
My wolf lifted its head at that, listening.
“Trust me,” Richard added, his voice softer.
I didn’t respond immediately.
I just stood there, staring at nothing, holding onto the fragile thread of hope that had just been handed back to me.
Then Richard ruffled my hair.
I stiffened as his hand moved through my hair. My wolf snapped upright, thoroughly unimpressed.
“What do you want for dinner?” he asked casually. “It will be my treat.”
I forced a small smile. “That sounds good.”
Then an idea struck.
“Call Nora too,” I added. “We haven’t all eaten together in ages.”
Richard’s face fell instantly.
“Do we have to invite her?” he groaned. “Can’t it just be us?”
My eyes narrowed.
Before he could react, I grabbed his ear and twisted it.
“What’s with all the head-patting and
