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.

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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.

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

wariness.

he says, unlocking the

apartment is stunning. There are huge

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The Apartment

back of the apartment. It has an open floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that Clayton has provided, I could

in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the state–of–the–art

an

I murmur despite myself. “It’s…”

There’s a glint of something like pride in his eyes as he surveys my reaction. “I had it

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

over this. For now, you

that simmering sense of independence that has kept me

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The

argue, lifting my chin to

kidnapped by rogue shifters?”

“Before you went into a heat so potent that even an alpha as disciplined as myself was

my stare,

primal.

think you have everything under control,” he continues in a low rumble. “But the truth is, you’re a rare thing in our world, Ava. An omega with

it.”

to protest, but

fight him, Ava. Play along for now, at least until we

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Ava: The

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

ticks in Clayton’s jaw, but he inclines his head in acceptance. “Good. Get settled in. My apartment is across the hall, so I won’t be far. There are clothes in the bedroom; I had my secretary shop for them. Of course, we can go shopping if they aren’t in

even thought about a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton

as

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

weight of this kindness is suffocating. I feel like I’m trapped in a gilded

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Ava: The

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