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.”

only have I been dragged home, now

No, thank you.

plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I’ve

lingers nearby, his frown deepening as I lazily flip 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

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

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling with

romance Selene had been obsessed

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

1. me.

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 probably sending thousands of women across the country into

you go.

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

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming

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

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 breath from here, courtesy of the tuna sandwich for he eats for lunch

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

his eyes off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey,

flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I

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

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Ava: Homecoming

here soon for dinner. I don’t

then.”

at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug.

refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw

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

can we?”