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.

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

wariness.

sweet home,” he says, unlocking the

is stunning. There are huge

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The

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

slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the

an

despite

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

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

“We’ve been over

that simmering sense of independence that has

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Ava: The Apartment

to meet his

kidnapped by rogue shifters?”

you went into a heat so potent

low in my belly. Clayton holds my

primal.

you’re a rare thing in our world, Ava. An omega with immense power that you don’t fully understand yet. You need guidance

it.”

protest, but Selene’s warning rings

least until we can find a way out of this mess.

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Ava: The Apartment

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

be far. There are

I’m wearing some that Clayton had brought over, but I didn’t think he’d bought an

says, as

but I’m not sure if anything

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

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