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.

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

give up our secrets,

necklace this time,

too thinks about

28

45 Ava Clearminded

It’s been rough.

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

take over.

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 of them to know who I

Novel Grind, he can find my information easily. If he knows

but he’s an alpha who needs to put his pack first.

into obscurity. I don’t want to take

go for a walk, but the nurses won’t let me leave the isolation room for another day.

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45 Ava Clearminded

knows. Who cares? He’s

ex–fated.

that ever–present ache in my chest had disappeared… but it’s back now, and filled with a decent amount of guilt over how I’ve spent

the last week.

be guilty about. You aren’t

Also true.

But still.

and a woman strides in with an air of confidence. She has the same striking green eyes as

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

she waves a hand dismissively. “No need to

little self–conscious under her scrutinizing gaze. It’s like she’s checking to see

14:58

45 Ava: Clearminded

worthy of

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