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.

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

wariness.

he says, unlocking the door and waving me in.

is stunning. There are huge

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Ava: The Apartment

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

in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the

an alcove.

murmur despite myself. “It’s…”

his eyes as he surveys my reaction. “I

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

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

at his words, that simmering sense of independence that has kept

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The Apartment

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

kidnapped by rogue

tone laced with a sharp edge. “Before you went into a heat so potent that even an alpha as disciplined as myself was rendered powerless

Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of

primal.

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

it.”

mouth to protest, but Selene’s warning rings

least until we can find a way out

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The Apartment

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

his head in acceptance. “Good. Get settled in. My apartment is across the hall, so I won’t be far.

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

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

“The fridge is also stocked, but I’m not sure if anything is to your

my 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 taken care of every need before I can even voice it?

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The

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.