The Luna’s Choice by Kat Silver

200 IV!

Chapter 10: Ayla

I woke up the next morning to Nurse Nicole bringing me my breakfast, which I ate quickly. I realized I hadn’t actually eaten in over two days. I found out that I had been unconscious for almost a whole day after the accident. The doctor came to speak with me and said it wasn’t surprising between the head injury and the sedation from the surgery on my leg. I hadn’t exactly had an appetite the day I left the Greytooth Pack lands. So the day before that was the last time I had actually

consumed a meal.

I was finishing my food as the doctor left, and Kingston walked into my room. The doctor and nurse greeted him respectfully as he entered, carrying a box in his hands. He addressed them kindly but didn’t hold them up with any questions, allowing them to continue their duties.

He set the box on the chair that was still sitting next to the bed and opened it.

“Your car has been picked up. I’m afraid it is likely totaled, but I can help you get a replacement when you’re ready,” he said as he rummaged through the contents. “But I removed any personal items before they took it away. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Um, no. Thank you,” I said quietly.

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“The doctor says you’ll be here a couple more days, so I thought I’d bring you some of your things.”

He set two books on the tray table in front of me. I picked

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them up and smiled, shaking my head a little.

“Those two are pretty good. This one is actually a particular favorite of mine,” Kingston said, pointing to one of the

hardcopy novels that thankfully didn’t seem any worse for

wear.

I laughed, immediately gripping.my side as the action hurt, but my smile remained. I looked up to see him looking at me curiously.

already read them. Many times actually. But I’m very glad to have

a

that,” I replied with a grin.

Heartwood?” he asked, picking up the book and

one of the editors with the

not use your own name and picture?” Kingston asked, moving the box to

my family’s lives private,” I stated. “Plus, the book tours would mean I would have to travel a lot,

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III

success. It works out

brow furrowed. He still held the book in his hand, looking at

have been… what… eighteen when

official release date was three weeks before my eighteenth

quite impressive,

“I got lucky. My old headmaster was friends with

spread across his face.

respect my avoidance and always let the topic shift back to whatever I wanted. It was approaching

I insisted. “I know you have a lot to do. I’m perfectly fine on my

true. But perhaps I’m not coming

wasn’t even sure what he meant by it. He

left the

was that

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O

according to what little of a plan I had. I had no car. I was stuck in a hospital bed. I had an injury that limited my mobility and would take weeks to

for some

real option. I wasn’t sure what I would do if I stayed, but at least I would have time to safely figure that out. At least I’d have some time before the smell of a rogue became too strong for me to stay. But Kingston said he would help me find a new

of help. However, I was still having trouble trusting his motives. I didn’t understand his interest in

me nervous.

wished Dasha

He told me it was from a local mom–and–pop–style café

shortly after we finished eating. But I didn’t want Kingston to leave yet, so I