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

wariness.

he says, unlocking the door and

stunning. There are huge

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

circle, taking in the high ceilings,

an

murmur despite myself.

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

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

“We’ve been over this. For now, you need to remain under my protection. This is non–negotiable.”

sense of independence that has kept me going all these years

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The Apartment

lifting my chin to meet his piercing

kidnapped by rogue

went into a heat so potent

at the memory, heat unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes

primal.

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

it.”

to protest, but Selene’s warning rings in

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

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The Apartment

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

in Clayton’s jaw, but he inclines his head in acceptance. “Good. Get settled in. My apartment 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

a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton had brought over, but

he says, as

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

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

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sense my distress 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