Tangled

Chapter 24

25 Ava: A Familiar Scent Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Selene growls, pacing as she sniffs every corner of the room. Her hackles are stiff. Even though she’s just a dog right now, it’s still intimidating.

That bastard was here, Selene confirms, after sniffing around the bedroom. He won’t harm you. Her lip curls back into a soft snarl. I can smell his regret with every step he took.

I collapse, my legs too weak to hold me up. That refreshed, revitalized feeling is gone. Only fear

remains.

“What am I going to do? I can’t stay here. If he found me, that means Dad can find me.”

Perhaps. Selene stretches with a large yawn. I would not worry yet, cub. You are not as defenseless as you once were, and you cannot run forever.

“But-”

You cannot run forever, Selene repeats forcefully, and I fall silent, struggling against the panic fluttering against my ribcage. One day, you might have to fight

14-46 –

177

25 Ava: A Familiar Scent

back.

Fight back?

I’d never imagined fighting back.

How can a wolfless defect fight back?

not wolfless, she reminds me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You are

do?” I ask

she says simply.

Do not borrow trouble before it finds you.

***

sigh and fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene’s

when she says it like that.

with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though. Your body is soft. Weak. You

lips. “What do you mean?”

arm with her cold, wet nose.

14:46 —

217

Ava: A

mind. You cannot rely solely on me

her. I’m not completely soft. I’ve had to learn to run. But

shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation

words.

again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to fight back

I steel my resolve. “Okay. What do

need to do?”

I approach

early three days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I’ve

furrows in concern, but she doesn’t

long

you leave, I don’t mind at

14:46

3/7

A Familiar

you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate your

me one of her warm, grandmotherly smiles. “Not a problem, Ava.

return, her kindness lancing through

of basic calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and

grit my teeth

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255