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.

left, his hand a warm weight against the small

wariness.

he says, unlocking the

apartment is stunning. There are huge

14:59

2/7

Ava: The Apartment

even with the furniture that Clayton has provided, I could

circle, taking in the high

an alcove.

I murmur despite myself.

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

arrangements for me. “It’s very nice,” I manage. “But really, it’s too much.

Clayton steps closer, his height and physical presence suddenly overwhelming. “We’ve been over this. For now, you

of independence that has

14:59)

317

Ava: The Apartment

lifting my chin to meet his piercing gaze. “I was doing just fine on my own before-”

were kidnapped by rogue shifters?”

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

unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with

primal.

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 immense power that you don’t fully understand yet. You need guidance and protection until you

it.”

but Selene’s warning rings

for now, at least until we can

14.59

417

The Apartment

to nod. “Fine. I’ll stay here for now.” The words feel like shards of glass

My apartment is across the hall, so I won’t be

I hadn’t even thought about a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton had brought over, but I didn’t think he’d bought

nothing,” he says, as if that’s all the

I’m not sure if anything is to your taste. Someone did

a thin thread of panic wiggling in my chest. The weight of this kindness is suffocating. I feel like I’m trapped in

14:59

The Apartment

of concern. “We can pick up your dog tomorrow if you’d like,” he offers, misreading the source of my turmoil. “Though… has someone been taking care of