Tangled

2 Ava: Invitation

The eyes stalk me from the shadows, unblinking. Unwavering.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

My hands tremble as I turn the key again. The engine sputters, coughs. Please. Please start. I can’t die here. Not like this.

Another turn. A whine. A sputter.

The wolf steps out from the tree line, massive and menacing. Its fur blends with the night, a specter of death and torment.

I can’t make out any distinguishing features in the darkness. No way to know which of my abusers has come for me tonight.

The engine roars to life. Thank God. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I slam my foot on the accelerator, tires screeching against pavement as I peel off down the road. My heart hammers against my ribs, blood rushing in my ears.

In the rearview mirror, I can see the wolf chasing me.

2 Ava: Invitation

Keeping pace with my car as I navigate the winding

roads.

He howls, a promise of pain.

It’s all a familiar, sick game. I hate it. I never know when it’s coming; when someone’s bored enough to begin.

It never ends well though. Not for me.

The streets of my neighborhood come into view. Mom and Dad won’t save me, even if I’m being slaughtered in the front yard–but if I can make it inside, that’s a different story.

No one disrespects the beta’s home.

I whip into an awful parallel parking job, the car jerking to a stop. My hands shake as I fumble for my keys, dropping them twice before I manage to grab them.

I just need to get inside.

Throwing open the car door, I stagger out on

trembling legs. The keys jangle in my grip as I stumble

towards the front door.

Almost there. Almost-

2 Ava: Invitation

my car as I navigate the

a promise

never know when it’s coming; when someone’s bored

ends well though. Not for

neighborhood come into view. Mom and Dad won’t save me, even if I’m being slaughtered in the front yard–but if I can make

the

jerking to a stop. My hands shake as I fumble

just need to get inside.

door, I stagger

The keys jangle in my grip as I

the front

Almost there. Almost-

2 Ava: Invitation

wet fur. And rage.

spin around, keys clenched between white knuckles. My

snarl. Saliva drips from dagger–like fangs. His russet fur tells me everything I need to know about his identity.

Todd.

torment me and

watches as I grab the door from behind my back, turn, and rush inside.

reprieve;

damage to my car. I have no idea

Damn it.

“Ava. Come here.“/

walk toward my parents, worried butterflies

2 Ava: Invitation

stomach.

exactly what they do to me; as long

his expression stoic as always. Mom stands behind him,

the last time we had eye contact outside of being dressed

room, focusing my gaze on his muddy

him with words. All he wants to see is my submission. Words are a waste of time coming from the lowest ranking member of our

of them say a word as I cradle my wrist; they’re blind to any injuries or

money from

shock, and cold breezes

2. Ava: Invitation

105

past all that anxiety

skips another. The Lunar Gala. I’ve missed out on it for the past two

gala is a big deal, encompassing the Northwestern Territories. Unmated wolves from all over will be

find their

the Northwestern Council meets and talks all their pack politics–but in reality, the Lunar Gala is

for the Blackwood Pack to attend this year. Even Jessa hasn’t been to one; historically, our entire pack avoids it. The official story is that there’s bad blood between a few alphas and ours,

a palpable force in the room, and I risk a quick

2 Ava: Invitation

beneath his notice.

course there’s nothing. Just me. “Phoenix and Jessa will be there, so make sure to present yourself

No more explanations. Just a beta throwing out his orders and expecting everything