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.”

not only have I been dragged home, now I have

No, thank you.

to plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen.

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,

acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle

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Homecoming

a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling

romance Selene had been obsessed with at the apartment.

to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A lump forms in my throat, grief threatening to

1. me.

the screen, the alpha hero cups the face of his 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

you go.

laugh. If only my life was as simple as

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

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

fight back a shudder, memories of his cruel hands on my body making my skin crawl. I can smell the tuna on This breath from here, courtesy of the

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

rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. “If it

just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns

her unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he warns, his tone hard.

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Homecoming (1)

here soon for dinner. I don’t need any issues

then.”

lazy shrug. “Whatever you say, Phoenix. We’ll be perfect little

show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks,

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?”