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

smile and say, “Be

nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set

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

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

together.”

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Clayton’s

Clayton, it’ll probably

with a

***

is huge.

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

different worlds.

step out of the car, my heart racing as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their

size and energy of it all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town.

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

he says, guiding me towards

Its windows are

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378

Ava: Clayton’s

dressed in the latest fashions, and I can’t help but

polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned

the brand names on their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton doesn’t know the meaning of frugal–but Rowan doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too busy keeping an eye on our surroundings, his gaze sharp and

the aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with

and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would have suspected him

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

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Ava: Clayton’s

noise setting my nerves on edge. But with Rowan here, I feel safer, more grounded.

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

glance toward me and scent

pass.

Rowan, or is it

says, calm as ever. You no longer smell human.

to make

be more prudent to get stronger so

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