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.”

I been dragged home, now I have to make them

No, thank you.

couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells

I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the disappointment I am. The other part is trying to play nice,

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

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Homecoming (1)

A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack

cheesy shifter romance Selene had been

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

1. me.

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.

my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would

woman.

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Homecoming (1)

scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing wolf washes over

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

now. I can’t even

his eyes off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey, back where she belongs.”

unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry,

it’s absolutely necessary,” he warns, his tone hard. “Alpha Renard will

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Ava: Homecoming

for dinner. I don’t need

then.”

and he gives a lazy

force myself to meet it 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 try to hide

taking a step closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t try to run off again. Can’t have our alpha’s prize

can we?”