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.

I can’t help but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and I

smile and say,

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

it’s hacked. I’ll just get

you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by

together.”

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Clayton’s Departure

probably be

again, with a smile. “Thank you.”

***

is

White Peak–well, you can’t really compare them. They’re

different worlds.

glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their chatter

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,

says, guiding me towards a

store. Its windows are filled with

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Clayton’s

I can’t help but stare

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

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

at Rowan. He’s different now, more relaxed. and easy–going. During my heat, he had struggled with his own attraction to me, his eyes

now, there’s none 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 him to be the

company, especially in a place like this. The crowds

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Clayton’s

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

humans. I’d noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at me, accepting me as just

they glance toward me and scent

pass.

it the presence of Rowan, or is

says, calm as

to make

would be more prudent to get

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