Tangled

46 Ava: Living Arrangements?!

46 Ava: Living Arrangements?!

I eye Ivy warily as she smiles at me, that warm expression not quite reaching her sharp gaze. “Clayton sent me to ensure you settle into your new lodgings comfortably. He personally chose the apartment himself and hopes it will suit you.”

I fight the frown that wants to curl my lips down. “That’s very kind of him, but I don’t need a place to stay. I’d prefer to just return home, if it’s all the same.”

Ivy’s smile doesn’t falter, but there’s a calculating glint in her eyes now. “And where is home for you, Ava? No one has managed to get even that basic information out of you yet.”

I hesitate, my heart giving a hard thump against my ribs. Telling this woman anything about my past or my origins feels unwise, and thinking that way makes me feel guilty. After all, everyone in this pack has treated me so kindly, even during my most embarrassing

moments.

Pressing my lips together, I refuse as politely as I can. “I just want to return home. I appreciate the offer, but

46 Ava: Living Arrangements?!

you all have done too much for me as it is.”

Ivy watches me closely. “I see,” she murmurs. “Well, I’ll let Clayton know that you refused.” She sounds a little too satisfied.

I watch Ivy closely as she takes my hands in hers, searching her face for any hint of deception. There’s something almost too sincere in the way she looks at me. The gentle curve of her lips doesn’t match the hardness of her eyes.

“Take care of yourself, Ava,” she says softly, giving my hands a gentle squeeze before releasing them.

“Thank you.” I’m not really sure how else to respond. She acts so concerned, and yet she’s met me for all of

two minutes.

Ivy turns and crosses the room, plucking a pen from

the small table beside the door. She scribbles

something on the pad of paper there before tearing off the sheet and placing it in my hands.

“That’s my number. In case you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call me.”

With that, she’s gone, the door clicking shut quietly

behind her.

14:50

28

Living Arrangements?!

out a slow breath, glancing at the paper with her looping handwriting scrawled

too cunning by far, pup. Watch yourself around that one. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of

number as if it might reveal Ivy’s true intentions. You

out loud; I’m sure

1. me.

think she’s scared you will take over the control she has in the pack.

make

of any pack’s

of dissent in my head. Do

Ava. It will only cause harm for both

***

strides into the

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3/8

Living

bedside, but then he leans down and brushes a soft

deep rumble of his voice sending an involuntary shiver down my

treat me like he did when we first met. “Alpha Clayton,” I reply, proud of how steady my voice sounds

seat in the chair beside my bed, his piercing gaze fixed on me with an intensity that makes me want to squirm. “I

cheeks flush at his blunt statement. “I told

inscrutable. “And why is

to his tone that I can’t quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip the thin hospital blanket

a life to get back to,” I say simply, holding

4.8

Living Arrangements?!

job, an apartment. I

I don’t need charity.”

slightly at my words. “It wasn’t charity, Ava. It was an offer to take care of you, to provide for you

passion of the past week. I shake my head. “I told you, I

done enough. I should be apologizing for being so much

to,” he says at last.

I challenge. “It’s my life. I don’t need to

claimed you, even temporarily, it’s my responsibility to ensure your safety and

14:59

5/3

Ava: Living Arrangements?!

keep an eye on you until things settle down. Your identity will

anything, that what happened was a mistake, but Selene’s