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.”

dragged home, now I have to make them dinner?

No, thank you.

The soft fabric smells like

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

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

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

familiar scene catches my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top

same cheesy shifter romance Selene had

my 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 to overwhelm

1. me.

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

you go.

If only my life was as simple as worrying that

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

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 on the couch. A slow, 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

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

off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey,

two shifters flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns to face them.

absolutely necessary,” he warns,

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Homecoming (1)

for dinner. I don’t need any

then.”

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

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

make sure you don’t try to run off again. Can’t have our

can we?”