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.”

have I been dragged home, now I have to make them

No, thank you.

remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent

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

him the satisfaction of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through

12:38

217

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 camera pans over

Selene had been obsessed with at

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

1. me.

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 country

you go.

my life was as simple as

woman.

12:38

317

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

eyes immediately finding 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

favorite smells now. I can’t even think about tuna

off me. “If it isn’t little

him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my

her unless it’s absolutely necessary,”

12:38

2/11

Homecoming (1)

I don’t need any issues before

then.”

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

force myself to meet it head–on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks,

you don’t try to run off again. Can’t have our alpha’s

can we?”