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.

the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and I have to fight the urge to

force another smile

hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when you do.”

no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner

check up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and if you need to go anywhere, you guys

together.”

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Clayton’s Departure

Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me

again, with a smile. “Thank you.”

***

is huge.

human city of White Peak–well, you can’t really compare them. They’re

different worlds.

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

energy of it all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger, louder,

over at Rowan, who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease,

guiding me towards

store. Its windows

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378

Clayton’s

can’t help but

marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is

in my simple jeans and 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

Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my

none of that tension between us. He’s just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would

appreciate his company, especially in a place like this. The crowds make me nervous, the

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Clayton’s

on edge. But with Rowan here, I feel

White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me as just

they glance toward me and scent the air as I

pass.

Rowan, or is it

can smell your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You no longer smell human.

That’s going to make

prudent to get stronger so you don’t

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