Tangled

59 Ava: Homecoming (I)

When I walk downstairs, Phoenix is hanging up the phone. It strikes me how much I’ve changed when I realize I have no curiosity, no spark to ask who he was talking to.

I don’t care.

It’s either related to me in a way that isn’t going to be pleasant, or it will have nothing to do with me. That’s it. Those are the two options.

I have no urge to grow closer to the asshole who shares my genetics, so I don’t ask.

Instead, I plan.

I won’t be able to escape right away. I’m not even sure how I can escape. I have no money, no phone, no

contact with the outside world. But now that I’ve been

out there? Now that I’ve been on my own?

It doesn’t seem as impossible as it did when I lived

here.

If I just have a chance, I’ll take it.

“Some of the guys will be coming by to watch over

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59 Ava: Homecoming (1)

you,” Phoenix announces, coming by to sniff at me. “Don’t start anything. There’s plenty in the fridge, so just make something for dinner. Don’t forget that Alpha Renard is coming.”

I been dragged home, now I have to make

No, thank you.

couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the

lingers nearby, his frown deepening as I lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. He’s struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the disappointment I am. The other part is trying to play nice, to lull me into a false

of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of

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Homecoming

my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion

had been obsessed with at the

to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy

1. me.

trembling omega mate, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that could set the screen on fire. “I will never choose her,” he growls, his voice a deep rumble that is probably sending thousands of women across the country into

you go.

laugh. If only my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would

woman.

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Homecoming (1)

sharp knock sounds on the door. I try not to tense as Phoenix opens the door, but my body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing wolf washes over me, thick and musky

predatory smile stretches across his face as he rakes his gaze over me. I fight back a shudder, memories of his

my least favorite smells now. I can’t even think about tuna without gagging.

well,” he rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey,

I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns to face

absolutely necessary,” he warns, his

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Homecoming

dinner. I

then.”

threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you say, Phoenix. We’ll be

I force myself to meet it head–on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can smell my discomfort no matter

princess,” he drawls, taking a step closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t try to run off again. Can’t have our alpha’s

can we?”