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

breath, glancing at the paper with her looping handwriting scrawled across

Watch yourself around that one. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to

up the paper and staring at the number as if it might reveal Ivy’s true intentions. You

out loud;

1. me.

control she has in

would make

interest in being part of any pack’s internal politics. She’s

soft sound of dissent in

kindness, Ava. It will

***

when Clayton strides into the

14:50

3/8

Ava: Living

he approaches my bedside, but then he leans down

in greeting, the deep rumble of his voice sending an involuntary shiver

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

with an intensity that makes me want to squirm. “I

at his blunt statement. “I

inscrutable. “And why

edge to his tone that I can’t quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation?

to get back to,” I say simply,

4.8

Ava: Living Arrangements?!

apartment. I appreciate your

but I don’t need

offer to take care of you, to provide for you as is my duty

past week. I shake my head. “I told

should be apologizing for

so eager to return to,” he says at last. “What’s so

rising. “Why does it matter?” I challenge. “It’s my life. I don’t need to

jaw tightens infinitesimally, a muscle ticking there. “As the alpha who claimed

14:59

5/3

Living

not being able to keep an eye on you until things settle down. Your identity will draw trouble.”

doesn’t owe me anything, that what happened was a mistake, but Selene’s voice stops me.