Tangled

47 Ava: The Apartment

47 Ava: The Apartment

The apartment Clayton talked about is in the middle of the city, in a high–rise that towers above every other building in the area. It reeks of money.

I follow Clayton through the opulent lobby, cringing as my sneakers squeak against the polished marble floor. I don’t belong here, in this sleek, luxury–through–minimalism space.

Two large men in crisp suits stand by the entrance, their eyes following our every move.

“Guards?” I murmur to Clayton, trying to keep my voice casual despite the unease prickling up my spine.

He nods once, ushering me towards the elevators. “For the human residents, yes. We aim to avoid any

incidents between humans and shifters.”

My eyebrows lift at that, and I risk a sidelong glance at him as we step into the empty elevator car. “Incidents happen often around here?”

Clayton’s expression darkens momentarily as he hits the button for the top floor. “Not often,” he allows.

14:59

1/7

47 Ava: The Apartment

“But no pack is immune. There are always hotheads who lack control, rogues who seek chaos. We have to take precautions.”

I absorb that silently, my mind whirling. It was not infrequent to hear my father complaining about young idiots who wandered into the human territory and harmed or killed humans. The Blackwood Pack didn’t

treat humans well. It’s different here.

I’ve seen the differences firsthand, but I still didn’t

expect humans and shifters to live in the same building.

The top floor is exclusive. You can see it at first glance; there are only two doors, despite the long hallway. There should be plenty of room for other apartments, yet there aren’t any.

the left, his hand a warm weight against the small of my back. I tense at his

wariness.

says, unlocking the door and waving me

apartment is stunning. There are

14:59

2/7

The Apartment

apartment. It has an open floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that

the high ceilings, the

an alcove.

I murmur despite

of something like pride in his eyes as he surveys my reaction. “I had it outfitted with

at the thought of him making such personal arrangements for me. “It’s very nice,” I manage. “But really, it’s too much. I’m happy

closer, his height and physical presence suddenly overwhelming. “We’ve been over this.

words, that simmering sense of independence that

14:59)

317

Ava: The Apartment

life. “I don’t need your protection,” I argue, lifting my chin to meet

kidnapped by

laced with a sharp edge. “Before you went into a heat so potent that even an alpha

Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of challenge and something

primal.

truth is, you’re a rare thing in our world, Ava. An omega with immense power that you don’t fully understand yet. You need guidance and protection until you can learn to

it.”

mouth to protest, but Selene’s warning rings in my

least until we can find a way out of this

14.59

417

Ava: The

nod. “Fine. I’ll stay here for now.” The words

won’t be far. There are clothes in the bedroom; I had my secretary shop

went shopping?” I hadn’t even thought about a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton had brought over, but I

nothing,” he says, as if that’s all

also stocked, but I’m not sure if anything is to your taste. Someone did bring

in my chest. The weight of this kindness is suffocating. I feel like I’m trapped in a gilded cage. How am I supposed to

14:59

The

can pick up your dog tomorrow if you’d like,” he offers, misreading