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

out a slow breath, glancing at the paper

far, pup. Watch yourself around that one.

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

out loud; I’m sure Ivy

1. me.

take over the control she has in

make

have no interest in being part of any pack’s internal politics. She’s probably just misunderstanding Clayton’s

a soft sound of

a man’s intentions with random kindness, Ava. It will only cause harm for

***

strides into

14:50

3/8

Ava: Living

instantly commanding my attention. His expression is unreadable as he approaches my bedside, but

of his

assumed he would treat me like he did when we first met. “Alpha Clayton,”

his piercing gaze fixed on me with an intensity that makes me want to squirm. “I hear you refused the

statement. “I told your sister I didn’t

face is still inscrutable. “And why is

Irritation? I grip the thin

get back to,”

4.8

Living Arrangements?!

job, an apartment. I appreciate

I don’t need

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

passion of the past week. I shake my head. “I told you, I don’t

done enough. I should be apologizing for being so much

arms on his knees. “Tell me about this life you’re so eager to return to,” he says at last. “What’s so important that you’d turn down the protection and care of my

his prodding, my defenses rising. “Why does it matter?” I

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

14:59

5/3

Living Arrangements?!

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

to protest that he doesn’t owe me anything,