Ava Cobalt; This Means War [Book 4]

Part 18, SOS

[7:01 AM]

Nick came into the house and could smell food cooking already. Nova was still asleep, but he couldn't see Ava. So, he followed his nose and went into the kitchen. Ava looked over at him with a smile.

Ava: Good morning, sleepyhead.

Nick chuckled.

Nick: 'Morning. Whatcha making?

Ava turned her focus back to the pot of food she was stirring.

Ava: Uh, one of Ben's old... MREs, I think.

Nick raised an eyebrow.

Nick: You think?

Ava laughed.

Ava: Okay, I think it's called an MRE. But it's definitely one of Ben's meals. Promise.

Nick smiled, then noticed her lips were tight together. He wrapped an arm around her waist.

Nick: How's your...?

Ava sighed.

Ava: Been worse. There's a lot there. You have no idea how many memories are stored in that serum.

Nick gently hugged her sideways.

Nick: I'm sure. Considering, I don't think all those from last night were Nova's and my memories.

Ava curled her hand into a fist, nails stabbing her hand.

Ava, pained: Definitely.

Nick pulled away, looking at her worriedly.

Nick, concerned: Are you okay?

Ava soon uncurled her hand and gave him a wane smile.

Ava: Yeah, I'm okay. This is just about ready if you wanna wake up Sleeping Beauty.

They chuckled, and Nick went into the living room. Nova was still sound asleep. He smiled and gently shook her shoulder.

Nick, softly: Come on, Sleeping Beauty. Breakfast is ready!

Nova gave a tired moan and rolled over.

Nova, sleepy: Please tell me it's after 7 in the morning.

Nick glanced at his phone.

Nick: Uh... Yep. 7:07.

Nova, muttering: Damn it.

Nick chuckled, she sat up, and sleepily followed Nick into the kitchen. Ava smiled at them, as she handed them a couple of paper plates with food.

Ava: Here you go.

She plopped a plate down for herself, and they ate in silence. Ava finished first. Once she threw her plate away, she sat back at the table in the kitchen, and rested her forehead in the palm of her hand, a grimace on her face. Nova and Nick shared a concerned look. Ava noticed and sighed.

Ava: I'm alright. It'll be better if we can decimate Syntec before lunch.

Nick and Nova chuckled.

Nova: I think that can be arranged.

[Spellbound HQ, 8:23 am]

Matt, Sam, Woods, and Nate were already there, waiting.

Sam: Any clue what Ava has in mind, Matt?

Matt shook his head.

Matt: Nope. But, knowing my daughter, it's probably dangerous and will have to do with taking down Syntec.