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

a promise

it. I never know when it’s coming; when someone’s bored enough to

never ends well though. Not for

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

disrespects the beta’s

stop. My hands shake as I fumble for my keys, dropping

to

open the car door, I

jangle in my grip as

front

Almost there. Almost-

2 Ava: Invitation

wet fur. And rage.

spin around, keys clenched between white knuckles. My

away, lips curled back in a snarl. Saliva drips from dagger–like fangs. His

Todd.

loves to torment me and always has.

he just watches as I grab the door

is a reprieve; I’ll take it.

I take a moment to lament the damage to my car. I have no idea how

Damn it.

“Ava. Come here.“/

toward my parents, worried butterflies floating around

2 Ava: Invitation

stomach.

nothing about the wolf outside. He doesn’t give a shit. He knows exactly what they do to me; as

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

I can’t remember the last time we

bow my head as I enter the room, focusing my gaze

bother greeting 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;

from your… job to be properly dressed for the occasion. Be grateful that our

shock, and cold breezes

2. Ava: Invitation

105

anxiety to settle straight into my brain.

little harder, and then skips another. The Lunar Gala.

big deal, encompassing the Northwestern Territories. Unmated wolves from all over will

hoping to find their

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

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, but I doubt the other packs

room, and I risk a

2 Ava: Invitation

beneath his notice.

came through, but of course there’s nothing. Just me. “Phoenix and Jessa will be there, so make

that, he leaves. No more explanations. Just a beta throwing out his orders and expecting everything to