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

Ava: Living

a slow breath, glancing at the

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

and staring at the number as if

speak out loud; I’m

1. me.

control she has in the pack. As the alpha’s sister, she

make sense.

shiver. I have no interest in being part of any pack’s internal politics. She’s

sound of dissent in my head. Do

Ava. It will only cause harm for both

***

when Clayton strides into

14:50

3/8

Living Arrangements?!

my attention. His expression is unreadable as he approaches my bedside, but then he leans down and brushes a soft kiss

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

affection has me off balance. Since I’m not in heat anymore, I’d assumed he would treat me like he

piercing gaze fixed on me with an intensity

at his blunt statement. “I told your sister I

inscrutable. “And

quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip

get back

4.8

Living

“A job, an apartment. I appreciate your

but I don’t

an offer to take care of you, to provide for

cheeks at the reference to the passion of the past week. I shake my

I should be apologizing for

his arms on his knees. “Tell me about this life you’re so eager to return to,” he says at

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

claimed you, even

14:59

5/3

Ava: Living Arrangements?!

don’t feel comfortable not being able to keep an eye on you until things settle down. Your identity

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