Tangled

4 Ava: Planning

eas

The next three days pass in a haze as I endeavor to leave my room as little as possible. I spend the time trying to make a plan to escape; there’s no way in hell I’m staying here to become the pack’s omega whore. My brain skirts past everything that happened with Todd, deciding ignoring it all was much cheaper than therapy.

The walls of my room close in on me. My heart pounds in my chest, and I can’t stop the tears from falling. I try to distract myself with books, but every word seems to mock me, every page a reminder of my trapped existence. I’ve given up on my classes, because–well, I’m not coming back. Obviously.

I conclude that my best bet is to run from the gala itself, while everyone is too distracted to notice I’m gone. I pack a bag with escape in mind, filling it with clothes, food, and the balance in my bank account, after withdrawing it all. I don’t know where I’ll go or what I’ll do, but I can’t stay here anymore.

I buy a burner phone and program Lisa’s number into it, but I’m not sure if it will be safe to text her when

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4 Ava: Planning

I’m gone. Like a coward, I say nothing about my plans, and find myself pre–mourning the loss of my best friend. If I tell her anything, she will be in danger,

assuming my pack cares enough to hunt her down for information. It’s better to act like everything’s normal.

At dinner on the third day, I sit at the table, pushing food around my plate as my Dad drops the bomb. We’re going to the Silvermoon Pack’s territory for the gala.

It’s happening.

Composure is hard to keep when a million fire ants are crawling around inside your skin in a psychosomatic manifestation of anxiety, but somehow, I manage. Either that, or my family doesn’t care enough to notice anything off about me.

In two days, I can’t believe I’ll be surrounded by shifters looking for their fated mates, while I’m just trying to find a way out.

Dad clears his throat and I glance at him, surprised to find his eyes locked on me. “Ava,” he says, in this weird cadence that I think was supposed to be… soothing? “This is a big event for all of us.”

14 35

* Ava Plamosout

“Yes, Father”

would look odd to leave my unmated, eligible daughter at home

something to me. I glance around the table, unsurprised to find Jessa grimacing at her plate and Phoenix studying me with hist trademark detachment. He has an

them, that’s exactly what

eyes trail to the bruises at my neck, and I flinch. They weren’t as bad as I thought they would be, but I can only hope they fade in time for

green

isn’t like you’ll find your mate there. So just try to stay out of

4 Ava: Planning

mouth shut.” He returns

clench my fist in my lap, hidden

the table.

in feeling hurt by his words.

***

to Idaho is done like most of my familial interactions–in silence. Mom, Dad, and Jessa are in their own vehicle, while I accompany Phoenix in Jessa’s truck.

of the engine and the rhythmic thud of the tires on the road lull me into a state of numbness. Phoenix drives with the arrogance of an alpha, one arm draped across his door and his

because of course

so much like Dad. Cold and distant, just like all

them.

boundaries of the state. My thoughts drift to Lisa, wondering what she’s up to and if she will forgive me for disappearing.

at the Lunar Gala, are you, Ave?”

14:35

4/7

4 Ava: Planning

by his question. I stare at the side of his face, wondering if he

me.”

Oh, Lord, or Moon Goddess, or whoever is the real deity out there–if only I could read my siblings like they

nonchalant. “Besides, it’s not like anyone can mate a defect.” Oops, the bitterness came out anyway.

doesn’t make a sound. I guess he approves of my bleak outlook

You won’t be his mate, but your kids

at the sound of his name.

a glance toward

no way in hell I’m staying

nannla

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