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

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25 Ava: A Familiar Scent

back.

Fight back?

I’d never imagined fighting back.

How can a wolfless defect fight back?

settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me. We

we do?” I

yawns again. Live, she says simply. Just as

Do not borrow trouble before it finds you.

***

and fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene’s words wash over me. Live.

simple when she says it like

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

at my lips. “What do you

pushes my arm with her cold,

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A Familiar

your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to protect you forever.

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

compared to shifters. She wants me to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation runs through me, but I can’t deny

words.

to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to

steel my resolve. “Okay.

need to do?”

next morning, I approach Mrs. Elkins with a

vague story about

brow furrows in concern, but

“Of course, dear. As long as you

done before you leave, I don’t mind

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3/7

A

Mrs. Elkins. I really

“Not a problem, Ava. Just take care of yourself,

return, her kindness lancing

small living room- push–ups, sit–ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and

my teeth and push through

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