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. She

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

lose the necklace this time, Selene orders me,

thinks about this past week.

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45 Ava Clearminded

It’s been rough.

my self–defense classes. The clasp had broken, and it didn’t take long for

take over.

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

my information easily. If he knows my information, he can figure out what

who needs to put his pack first. I don’t know what he would do if my pack asked for me back.

I plan to sneak back into obscurity.

with a sigh. I want to go for a walk, but the nurses won’t let me

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45 Ava Clearminded

Who knows. Who cares?

ex–fated.

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

the last week.

about. You

Also true.

But still.

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

says, giving me a warm smile.

but she waves a hand dismissively. “No need to get up. Rest, you’ve been

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

14:58

45 Ava: Clearminded

of her brother.

can tell her that any day of