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

I force another smile and say,

already hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when

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

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

together.”

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Ava: Clayton’s

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

say again, with a

***

is huge.

city of White Peak–well, you can’t

different worlds.

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

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

eyes scanning the crowd. He seems at ease, comfortable in

guiding me towards a large

store. Its windows are

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378

Clayton’s

I can’t help but stare as we

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

simple 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

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

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

like this. The crowds make me

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Clayton’s Departure

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

and Cedarwood that they never looked twice

they glance toward me and scent

pass.

presence of Rowan, or is it me?

says, calm as ever.

to make

it would be more prudent to get stronger

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