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.

warm weight against the

wariness.

home,” he says, unlocking the door and waving

is stunning. There are huge

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Ava: The Apartment

floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture

slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the state–of–the–art kitchen

an

murmur despite myself.

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

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

Clayton steps closer, his height and physical presence suddenly overwhelming. “We’ve been over this. For now, you need to remain under my protection.

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

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The

chin to meet his piercing gaze. “I was doing just fine on my

you were kidnapped by

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

unfurling low in my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of challenge and something darker, more

primal.

truth is, you’re a rare thing in our world, Ava. An omega with immense power that

it.”

but Selene’s warning

Ava. Play along for now, at least until we can find a

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Ava: The Apartment

stay here for now.” The words feel

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

hadn’t even thought about a change of clothes. I’m wearing some that Clayton had brought over,

says, as if

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

suffocating. I feel like I’m trapped in

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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