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

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

this

thinks about

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45 Ava Clearminded

It’s been rough.

She found it near my self–defense classes. The clasp had

take over.

it out of her eventually. Right now, I’m just anxious to go home. I was given the option of using Clayton’s phone

easily. If he knows

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

discharged, I plan to sneak back into obscurity. I don’t

but the

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45 Ava Clearminded

knows. Who cares?

ex–fated.

I can’t help but think about him anyway. During my heat, that ever–present ache in my chest

the last week.

guilty about. You aren’t

Also true.

But still.

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

giving me a warm smile. “I’m Ivy, Clayton’s sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

but she waves a hand dismissively. “No need to get

onto the bed, a little self–conscious under her scrutinizing

14:58

45 Ava: Clearminded

worthy of her

that any day of the week. Clayton’s