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"Sol!" Avery is angry with ht I have no business being here I never did but I don’t plan on sticking around and continuing to be anyone’s problem" Jenn streaks from the room and out the front door I immediately feel the pain in Avery’s heart I want to comfort her but I’m not sure it’ll be welcome

Shit What have I done?

I have to try to ht "I’m sorry, baby doll I didn’t o after her" Her voice–and mind–is drenched in panic "She doesn’t kno to survive outside this compound yet"

I put h ht Jenn has been living in a bubble and has no idea how to get along on her own

This is nothing but a rabs my face and forces uilt but this isn’t your fault Jenn is a hothead She always has been but it’s compounded now that she’s a vampire"

The family–minus Chansey and the babies–enter Jenn’s bedroom before I’m able to reply "Don’t worry We’ll all pitch in to help find her," Gia says

Avery walks toward the door "I need my jacket"

Oh, hell no She can’t possibly think I’ out there"

I feel her preparing for a shon "Why can’t I come? She’s my family"

Avery and I are a teaets when it co alphato piss her off royally "No It’s too dangerous"

She’s frustrated but not furious as I anticipated "My circu I’ll always be a blood jewel Does thatto be allowed out of the walls surrounding this coreat plan to me "Maybe not if it keeps you safe"

Avery stands with her hands on her hips and her weight shifted to one foot I’ve seen Chansey in that sary with Curry and I can only wonder if it’s a coincidence or soápe characteristic "I want to help find h to her "I know you do but you’ll only slow us down We can find Jenn much faster if you stay here Isn’t that what you want? For us to find her as soon as possible?"

I feel her conceding "I know you’re right but I’ll feel useless if I stay here"

"You won’t be of no use," Curry says "Chansey will need your help with the babies while I’o if you don’t stay with her"

"See? You’re needed here" I’ll need to thank Curry for that later

She’s hesitant as she appears to be thinking it over but finally agrees "Okay I wouldn’t want Chansey to be left alone"

Curry tells me over his shoulder as he leaves the room, "I’ll "

We leave Jenn’s bedroom and walk toward the foyer since she used the front door when she left The others gather outside and begin for the plan as I stop to kiss Avery "Don’t worry We’ll bring Jenn horoans "I hate this"

"Me, too But think of this as an opportunity You’ll have the luxury of being able to speak freely with Chansey about the agápe bond She can tell you things firsthand that no one else can The good and the bad"

"Okay I’ll do that"

She pulls o "Please Please Please Be careful"

I squeeze her back "Don’t worry about me, baby doll There’s a reason I’m almost three hundred years old I kno to take care ofI realize it’s your duty to protect me so please understand my position when I worry about you I can’t help it" Hmm Good point and one I’ve never considered

I kiss her hard and place ainst hers Curry walks past us in the foyer to join the others and it’s my cue to leave "We’ll be back before you know it With Jenn"

Chapter Ten