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.

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

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

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

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

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

Selene had been obsessed with at the apartment.

chest sharpens as I take it all in, judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot.

1. me.

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 a dramatic swoon. “And I will never let

you go.

If only my life was as simple

woman.

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Homecoming (1)

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

predatory smile stretches across his face 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

one of my least favorite smells now. I can’t even think about

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

I swallow hard, my

hands off her unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he warns, his tone hard. “Alpha

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Homecoming

I don’t

then.”

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

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

closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t

can we?”