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

with my car as I

howls, a promise of

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

though. Not for

save me, even if I’m

disrespects the beta’s

job, the car jerking to a stop. My hands shake

need to

car door, I stagger

keys jangle in my grip as I stumble

front door.

Almost there. Almost-

2 Ava: Invitation

can smell wet fur.

clenched between

in a snarl. Saliva drips from dagger–like

Todd.

me and always

grab the door from

reprieve; I’ll take

my car. I have no idea how much it will cost

Damn it.

“Ava. Come here.“/

I walk toward my parents, worried butterflies floating around

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

is seated in his favorite armchair, his expression stoic as always. Mom stands behind him, her

leveled over–my shoulder. I can’t remember the last time we had eye contact outside of

room,

with words. All he wants to see is my submission. Words are a waste

my wrist; they’re blind to any injuries

clears his throat. “You will be attending the Lunar Gala this year. I trust you have enough money from your… job to be properly dressed for the occasion. Be

shock, and cold

2. Ava: Invitation

105

that anxiety

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

the Northwestern Territories. Unmated wolves from all over will be

find their fated mates.

after the Northwestern Council meets and talks all their pack politics–but in reality, the Lunar Gala is more of a matchmaking ball. Alliances are

attend this year. Even Jessa hasn’t been to one; historically, our entire pack avoids it. The official story is that

force in the room, and I risk a quick

2 Ava: Invitation

beneath his notice.

Just me. “Phoenix and Jessa will be there, so make

that, he leaves. No more explanations. Just a beta throwing out