Ava knew the night wasn't over yet.
She could feel it.
The tension still hung in the air, thick as fog, clinging to her skin like an unshakable shadow.
After dinner, she took a short walk with Jake on his way home, his excitement still radiating off him.
The moment she turned the corner back toward the main building, she felt him before she saw him.
He was standing in her path, his stance deliberate, his dark eyes scanning her.
Ava came to a stop, her muscles instinctively tensing.
Beside her, Zari moved immediately, her body half-blocking Ava's in a protective stance.
Leon's lips twitched. "I just want to talk."
Ava placed a hand on Zari's shoulder, a silent command. "It's okay."
Zari didn't look convinced, but she stepped back.
Ava met Leon's gaze, unblinking. "What can I do for you, Alpha Leon?"
He tilted his head, studying her. "I just wanted to say that you look well."
Ava raised an eyebrow. That's the opener?
"…Thanks?"
