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.

to see you soon, 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 can apparently?-scale the building to my window, but could never come in because of

us want to give up our secrets, so she stayed outside, parted from

this time, Selene

thinks about this past

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45 Ava Clearminded

It’s been rough.

found it near my self–defense classes. The clasp had broken, and it

take over.

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

my information easily. If he knows my information, he can figure out what pack I’m from. If that happens…

is a good man, but he’s an alpha who needs to put his pack first. I don’t know what he would

discharged, I plan to sneak back into obscurity. I

a walk, but the nurses won’t let me leave

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45 Ava Clearminded

scoffs. Who knows. Who cares? He’s just your

ex–fated.

I can’t help but think about him anyway. During my heat, that ever–present ache in my chest had disappeared… but it’s back now, and filled with a decent

the last week.

to be guilty about. You

Also true.

But still.

a woman strides in with an air of confidence. She has the same striking green eyes as Clayton, her chestnut hair pulled back in a

be Ava,” she says, giving me a warm smile. “I’m Ivy, Clayton’s sister. It’s a pleasure to

move to stand as Ivy enters, but she waves a hand dismissively.

onto the bed, a little self–conscious under her scrutinizing gaze. It’s like she’s

14:58

45 Ava: Clearminded

of her

that any day of the week. Clayton’s an accomplished