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.

pulls back, I can’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment in

force another smile

his disappointment already hidden. “Set up

There’s no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get

inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and

together.”

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Clayton’s

heart beats a little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be easier for me to

I say again, with a smile. “Thank

***

city is huge.

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

different worlds.

it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people,

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

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

way,” he says, guiding me towards a

Its windows are

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378

Ava: Clayton’s

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

store is even more impressive. The floors are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with

I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t

way through the aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During

and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I

his company, especially 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 here, I feel safer, more grounded.

are everywhere, mingling with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me as just another

toward me and scent the air as I

pass.

presence of Rowan,

power, Selene says, calm as ever.

to make hiding a lot harder.

to get stronger so you don’t need to

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