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

glancing at the paper with her

echoes in my mind. She sounds too cunning by far, pup. Watch yourself around that one. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website

the number as if it might reveal Ivy’s true intentions. You think she’s up to something?

out loud; I’m sure Ivy would hear

1. me.

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

make sense.

in being part of any pack’s internal

a soft sound of dissent in my

intentions with random kindness, Ava. It will

***

Clayton strides into the

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Ava: Living Arrangements?!

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

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

I’d assumed he would treat me like he did when

fixed on me with an intensity that makes me want to

blunt statement. “I told your sister

still inscrutable. “And why

I can’t quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip the

get back to,” I say simply, holding

4.8

Living

“A job, an apartment.

don’t need

to take care of you, to provide for you as

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

done enough. I should be apologizing for being

me about this life you’re so eager to return to,” he says at last. “What’s so important that you’d turn down

rising. “Why does it matter?” I challenge. “It’s my life.

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

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Living Arrangements?!

keep an eye on you until things settle down.

that he doesn’t owe me anything,