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.

disappointment in his eyes, and I have to fight the urge to

smile

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

no point wondering if it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new burner as soon as

you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and if you need to go anywhere, you

together.”

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Clayton’s Departure

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

again, with

***

is huge.

smaller human city of White Peak–well, you

different worlds.

glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people,

I’m used to the quiet, the

his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease,

says, guiding me towards

windows are

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378

Clayton’s

can’t help but stare as we pass

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

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

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

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

appreciate his company, especially in a place like this. The crowds make me

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Clayton’s

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

mingling with humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they

and scent the air as I

pass.

Rowan,

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

going to make hiding a lot

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

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