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.

of disappointment in his eyes, and I have to

smile and say, “Be safe.”

hidden. “Set up your phone. Call me when you do.”

it’s hacked. I’ll just get a new

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

together.”

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Clayton’s Departure

it’ll probably be easier

with

***

city is

of White Peak–well, you

different worlds.

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

used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is

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

guiding me towards a

store. Its windows are filled

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Clayton’s Departure

and I can’t help but stare as

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

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

different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes dark

Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I

this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant

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Clayton’s

But with Rowan here, I feel safer, more

Cedarwood that

glance toward me and scent

pass.

presence of Rowan, or is it me?

smell your power, Selene says, calm

going to make hiding a lot

more prudent to get stronger so you don’t

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