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

smile and

his disappointment already hidden. “Set up your

I’ll just get a new burner as soon as I

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

together.”

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Clayton’s

probably be easier

say again, with a smile. “Thank you.”

***

is huge.

smaller human city of White Peak–well, you

different worlds.

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

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

eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable

guiding me

store. Its windows are

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378

Clayton’s

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

and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of expensive cosmetics and leather goods.

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 frugal–but Rowan doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too busy keeping an eye on

way through the aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes dark

just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn’t already know, I never would

like this. The crowds make

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Ava: Clayton’s Departure

edge. But with Rowan here, I feel

Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me as just another human.

and scent the air as I

pass.

Rowan, or is

power, Selene says, calm as ever. You

going to make hiding a lot harder.

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

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