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

as I

promise of

a familiar, sick game. I hate it. I never know

though.

Mom and Dad won’t save me, even if I’m being slaughtered in the front yard–but if I can

disrespects the beta’s

car jerking to a stop. My hands shake as I fumble for my keys, dropping them twice before

to get inside.

the car door, I stagger

jangle in my grip as I stumble

the front door.

Almost there. Almost-

2 Ava: Invitation

smell wet fur. And

around, keys clenched between white knuckles.

drips from dagger–like fangs. His russet fur tells me everything I

Todd.

torment me and always

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

is a reprieve; I’ll take

the door behind me, I take a moment to lament the damage to my car. I have no idea how much it will cost to repair my cracked windshield; it’ll eat into the savings I’ve been

Damn it.

“Ava. Come here.“/

toward my parents, worried butterflies floating around in my

2 Ava: Invitation

stomach.

about the wolf outside. He doesn’t give a shit. He knows exactly what they do to me; as long as it isn’t in his eyesight, where he has to

expression stoic

shoulder. I can’t remember the last time we

as I enter the room, focusing my

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

word as I cradle my wrist; they’re blind to any injuries or illness I

you have enough money from your… job

shock, and cold

2. Ava: Invitation

105

anxiety to settle straight into

skips a beat, thuds a little harder, and then skips another. The Lunar Gala. I’ve missed out

gala is a big deal, encompassing the Northwestern Territories. Unmated

to find their fated

Northwestern Council meets and talks all their pack politics–but in reality, the Lunar Gala is more of a matchmaking ball. Alliances are made when high–ranking shifters mate into other packs, and new blood is brought in.

our entire pack avoids it. The official story

having to attend is a palpable force in the room, and I risk a quick glance upward. He’s looking over

2 Ava: Invitation

beneath his notice.

nothing. Just me. “Phoenix

Just a beta throwing out his orders and expecting everything to