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.

me down the corridor to the door on the left, his hand a warm weight

wariness.

unlocking the door and

is stunning. There

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The

open floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that Clayton has provided, I could easily go bowling in the free space. Or

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

an alcove.

despite myself. “It’s…”

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

arrangements for me. “It’s very nice,”

physical presence suddenly overwhelming. “We’ve been over this. For now, you need to remain under my protection. This is

simmering sense of independence that

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Ava: The Apartment

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

you were kidnapped by rogue

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

the memory, heat unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of challenge and something darker,

primal.

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

it.”

to protest, but Selene’s warning rings in

now, at least until we

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Ava: The

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

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

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

nothing,” he says, as

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

feel like I’m trapped in a gilded cage.

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softens into one of concern. “We can pick up your dog tomorrow if you’d like,” he