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

122 O

<

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 to make

No, thank you.

Phoenix to plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial

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 sense of security for whatever twisted game he’s playing.

remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and noise

12:38

217

Ava: Homecoming

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

the same cheesy shifter romance Selene had been obsessed with at

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

1. me.

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 a dramatic

you go.

only my life was as simple as worrying

woman.

12:38

317

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 with undertones of sweat and aggression. My heart pounds against my ribcage as if begging

me. I fight back a shudder, memories of his cruel hands on my body

I can’t even think about tuna without gagging.

rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey, back where she

stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns to face them.

necessary,” he warns, his tone hard. “Alpha Renard

12:38

2/11

Ava: Homecoming (1)

dinner. I don’t need

then.”

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

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

sure you don’t try

can we?”