Tangled

Chapter 50

51 Ava: Clayton’s Departure

Clayton’s shoulders stiffen, and he sighs. “You’ll be safe as long as you stay within the pack,” he says, his voice tight.

My heart skips a beat at his words.

“I’m going to have to go out on a quick trip,” Clayton continues, and my eyes widen.

A trip? Where? And why?

The questions are burning on the tip of my tongue, but I bite them back, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Besides, I don’t need to know.

Instead, I force a small smile and say, “I hope you have

a safe trip.”

Clayton nods, his expression softening as he meets my gaze. “Thank you, Ava.”

For a moment, I think he’s going to say more, but then he seems to think better of it. He takes a step towards me, and my heart rate picks up, my body tensing

involuntarily.

“Can I have a goodbye kiss?” he asks, his voice low and

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rough.

I swallow hard, my mouth dry. A part of me wouldn’t

mind feeling his lips on mine again, knowing the passion that can erupt between us.

But a much larger part of me holds me back.

So instead of leaning in, I turn my head slightly,

offering him my cheek. His lips brush against my skin, warm and soft, and I feel a shiver run down my spine despite myself.

flicker of disappointment in his

another smile and say,

already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when you

it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon

eye on you and check up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon,

together.”

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Clayton’s

faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me to

I say again, with a smile.

***

is

much smaller human city of White Peak–well, you can’t really compare

different worlds.

all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their chatter and

it all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude of my

beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in this urban jungle.

he says, guiding

store. Its windows are filled with

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378

Clayton’s Departure

fashions, and I can’t help but stare as we

high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is

t–shirt, even with the brand names on their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of

through the aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and

us. He’s just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If

in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant

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Ava: Clayton’s Departure

nerves on edge. But with Rowan

with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice

glance toward me and

pass.

the presence of Rowan, or

power, Selene says, calm as ever. You

That’s going to make hiding a lot harder.

to get stronger so you

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