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

12:31

1/8

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

smile

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

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

you and check up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will

together.”

12:31

2/8

Ava: Clayton’s Departure

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

with a smile.

***

city is huge.

of White Peak–well, you can’t

different worlds.

as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks

of it all. I’m used to the quiet, the solitude

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

way,” he says, guiding

store. Its windows are filled with

12:31

378

Ava: Clayton’s

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

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

their labels–something I’d found excessive, but I’m learning that Clayton

make our 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

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

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

12.31

4/8

Ava: Clayton’s Departure

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

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

me and scent the

pass.

it the presence of Rowan, or

smell your power, Selene says, calm as

to make hiding a

to get stronger so you

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255