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.”

home, now I have

No, thank you.

fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I’ve grown to

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

give him the satisfaction of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and noise filling

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Homecoming (1)

hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as

shifter romance Selene had been obsessed with at

judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A lump forms

1. me.

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

you go.

nearly choke on a bitter laugh. If only my life was as simple

woman.

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the door, but my body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing wolf washes over

as he rakes his gaze over me. I 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 tuna sandwich for he eats for lunch every day.

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

leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth

it’s absolutely necessary,” he warns, his tone hard. “Alpha Renard will

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soon for dinner. I don’t need

then.”

widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you

show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can smell my discomfort no matter how much I try to hide

a step closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t try to run off again. Can’t have our alpha’s prize getting loose, now

can we?”