in the woods - Book 1: "Sweetheart institution"

PAGE 10

Ava had just settled comfortably into her hammock when she heard a soft knock at her door. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, revealing Zane, her other closest friend. His vibrant red hair gleamed under the soft light, and his kind, light blue eyes locked onto hers immediately. The faint sound of his hooves clopping gently on the floor followed him as he stepped inside, his goat-like tail swishing slightly behind him.

“Hey, Ava. Just thought I’d drop by to see how you’re doing,” he said with a warm smile, his voice soothing and kind. He always had that effect on her—a calming presence, a contrast to Vin’s chaotic energy. 

Ava smiled, grateful for the visit. “I’m doing fine, Zane. The kids kept me busy today, but it was fun.”

Zane moved closer, his gaze drifting down to her hand. His expression changed instantly when he noticed the silver promise ring gleaming on her finger. His brows furrowed, and an unmistakable tension crept into the air. “That… looks new. Where’d you get it?” he asked, though he already seemed to know the answer.

Ava hesitated, feeling the shift in his tone. “It’s… from Vin,” she admitted quietly, not wanting to lie to him. 

Zane’s pleasant demeanor darkened. He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. “Vin gave you that?” he asked, his voice lower now, edged with barely restrained annoyance.

Before Ava could respond, the door swung open once more. Vin strolled in confidently, his blackish-red eyes gleaming mischievously as if he could sense the brewing tension. His dark violet hair fell messily over his face, and his werewolf ears twitched slightly in amusement.

“Hey, angel. Just wanted to check if—” He paused, noticing Zane standing protectively near Ava. His smirk widened as he crossed his arms. “Oh, it’s you. Here to do your usual routine of hanging around Ava like a lost puppy?”

Zane’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t belong here, Vin. You’ve done enough. Giving her that ring? Really? You think that’s going to mean anything?”

Vin’s smirk turned into a challenging grin. “Oh, it means plenty. More than anything you’ve ever done, goat boy.”

Ava groaned inwardly as the tension escalated. She had seen this coming the moment Zane walked in and noticed the ring. Both boys had always been at odds, vying for her attention, but this was getting ridiculous.

“Guys, stop it,” Ava said firmly, stepping between them. “This is my room. I don’t want any fights here.”

Neither Vin nor Zane backed down. Vin’s eyes glinted with mischief, while Zane’s expression remained serious, determined to stand his ground. Ava sighed, knowing it wouldn’t be that easy to calm them.

“Fine,” Vin said after a moment, his tone playful but with an edge. “I’ll leave. For now. But don’t think this is over.” He gave Ava a wink before turning and walking out, his tail swishing behind him arrogantly.

Zane let out a breath, still clearly annoyed. “Why do you even put up with him?” he muttered, his voice softer now, directed at Ava.

Ava gave him a tired smile. “Because, believe it or not, he has a good heart. Just like you.” She placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Don’t let him get to you, okay?”

Zane looked at her, the tension in his posture easing slightly. “I just… don’t want him hurting you. Promise me you’ll be careful around him.”

“I promise,” Ava said with a reassuring nod. Despite the chaos, she appreciated how much Zane cared. It made things more complicated, but in a way, it also made her feel lucky to have people who cared about her so deeply.

As Zane gave her one last glance and turned to leave, Ava sank back onto her hammock, exhaling. She knew this wouldn’t be the last time Vin and Zane clashed. For now, though, she just wanted to enjoy a moment of peace. Even if it was only temporary.