Tangled

Chapter 59

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.”

have I been dragged home, now I have to make

No, thank you.

the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial

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

the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

and a roguish grin.

had been obsessed with at the apartment.

stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A

1. me.

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

you go.

choke on a bitter laugh. If only my life was

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

knock sounds on the door. I 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 heart

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

of my least favorite smells now. I can’t even think about tuna without

me. “If it isn’t little Ava

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

absolutely necessary,” he warns, his

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Ava: Homecoming

I

then.”

he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you say, Phoenix.

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

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

can we?”

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