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

I force another smile and say, “Be safe.”

taps my nose, his disappointment already hidden. “Set up

I’ll just get a new burner as soon as I

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

together.”

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Clayton’s

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

with a

***

city is huge.

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

different worlds.

the sunlight.

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 vibrant.

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

says, guiding me towards a large

windows are

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378

Ava: Clayton’s Departure

can’t help but stare as we

the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with

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

our way through the 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 beta of Clayton’s

this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant movement

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Clayton’s Departure

But with Rowan here, I feel safer, more grounded.

White Peak and Cedarwood that they never

and scent

pass.

the presence of Rowan,

can smell your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You no

That’s going to make hiding a lot

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

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