Tangled

45 Ava: Clearminded

A week has passed since that first fateful night with Clayton, and the haze of my heat is finally fading.

Clayton rarely left my side, and every time I think of him, I blush. To go from a virgin with almost no experience to so many memories of his naked body over mine, his large hands rough on my skin, and the near–violent collision of our passion, over and over again…?

It’s like a different world.

I can’t help looking at men a little differently, with a little bit more suspicion. If someone as polite and gentlemanly as Clayton can have that side of him, aren’t they all just brutal beasts in bed?

Well, your heat experience is a little unique, Selene says dryly.

Clayton’s back with his pack today, doing alpha–things, I think. I’m not sure. He was gone when I woke up.

The nurses haven’t discharged me yet, saying they just want to make sure I’m okay. I’m more than okay. I feel

14:58 —

45 Ava: Clearminded

strong and refreshed. Even some of the scars all over my neck from failed claiming marks–so many failed attempts, because heat–Ava apparently really likes when he tries–are slowly fading from the first night.

They’ll be gone in another week, Selene agrees.

It looks brutal, like I’ve been attacked by a wild animal. In a way, I guess I was–Clayton wasn’t in his right mind, either–but claiming marks by nature have always healed quickly.

The scars usually stay, though.

Now that I can feel my heat is done, I feel embarrassed and guilty more than anything. I’m sure it must be awkward for Clayton, as well.

I tell Selene, who gives a little rumble of excitement. She’s been hanging out near the hospital, frustrated because she can’t get to me. She

want to give up our secrets, so

this time, Selene

too thinks about this past

28

45 Ava Clearminded

It’s been rough.

clasp had broken, and it didn’t take long for

take over.

still hasn’t explained the ins and outs of that, but I’ll get it out of her eventually. Right now, I’m just anxious to go home. I was given the option of using Clayton’s phone to get in touch with anyone worried about me, but I don’t want any

about The Novel Grind, he can find my information easily. If he knows my information, he can figure out what pack I’m from. If

first. I don’t know

I’m discharged, I plan to sneak back into

want to go for a walk, but the nurses won’t

36

45 Ava Clearminded

Who cares? He’s just

ex–fated.

anyway. During my heat, that ever–present ache in my chest had disappeared… but it’s back now, and filled with a decent amount

the last week.

about.

Also true.

But still.

a woman strides in with an air of confidence. She has the same striking

must be Ava,” she says, giving me a warm smile. “I’m Ivy,

she waves a hand dismissively. “No need to get

sink back onto the bed, a little self–conscious under her scrutinizing gaze. It’s like she’s checking to see if

14:58

45 Ava: Clearminded

worthy of her brother.

her that any day of the week. Clayton’s an accomplished alpha with a pack