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.

but notice the flicker of disappointment in

I force another smile and

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

if it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon as I

eye on you and 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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Ava: Clayton’s Departure

beats a little faster. Without Clayton, it’ll probably be

with a

***

is huge.

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

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 chatter and laughter mingling with the sound of

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

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

way,” he says, guiding me towards

store. Its windows are filled with

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Ava: Clayton’s Departure

in the latest fashions, and I can’t help but stare as we pass by.

the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of expensive cosmetics 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

and I steal glances at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going.

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 have suspected him to be the

company, especially in a place like this. The crowds

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Clayton’s Departure

noise setting my nerves on edge. But with Rowan here,

with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me,

me and scent the air as

pass.

the presence of Rowan, or is

power, Selene says, calm as ever.

to make

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

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