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.

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

wariness.

the door

There are

14:59

2/7

The Apartment

bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that Clayton has provided, I could easily go bowling in

taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings,

an

murmur despite

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

making such personal arrangements for me. “It’s very nice,” I manage. “But really, it’s too much. I’m happy to find

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

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

14:59)

317

The

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

were kidnapped by rogue shifters?”

heat so potent that even an

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

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

it.”

protest, but Selene’s

Ava. Play along for now, at least until we can find a way out of this

14.59

417

Ava: The

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

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

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

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

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

this kindness is suffocating. I feel like I’m trapped in a gilded cage. How

14:59

The Apartment

because his expression softens 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 been taking care of it while