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.

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

wariness.

home,” he says, unlocking the door

apartment is stunning. There are

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The Apartment

all the natural light, and even with the

in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the

an alcove.

I murmur despite

glint of something like pride in his eyes as

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

over this. For now, you need to remain

his words, that simmering sense of independence that has kept me going all these

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Ava: The Apartment

life. “I don’t need your protection,” I argue, lifting my chin to meet his piercing gaze. “I was doing just fine on my

were kidnapped

into a heat so potent that

heat unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his

primal.

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.

it.”

to protest, but Selene’s warning rings in

now, at least until we can find a

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The

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

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

a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton had

as if that’s all

stocked, but I’m not sure if anything is

I’m trapped in a gilded cage. How am I supposed to leave when he’s taken care of

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Ava: The Apartment

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