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.

can’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and I have to fight the urge

smile and say, “Be

will.” He taps my nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when you do.”

I’ll just get a new burner

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

together.”

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Clayton’s Departure

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

again, with

***

city is huge.

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

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 laughter mingling

used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything

at Rowan, who’s walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd.

way,” he says, guiding me

store. Its windows are filled

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Ava: Clayton’s Departure

fashions, and I can’t help but

is even more impressive. The floors are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent

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

now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat,

none of that tension between us. He’s just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t

especially in a place like this. The crowds make me

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Clayton’s Departure

setting my nerves on edge. But with Rowan

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

they glance toward me and scent the air

pass.

it the presence of Rowan, or is it me?

calm as ever. You no longer smell

going to make hiding

hiding, it would be more prudent to get stronger so you don’t need

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