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.”

only have I been dragged home, now I have

No, thank you.

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

of him wants to chew

TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and noise filling the

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Ava: Homecoming

with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over–the–top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as the camera

romance Selene had

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

1. me.

smoldering with an intensity that could set the screen on fire. “I will never choose her,”

you go.

choke on a bitter laugh. If only my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

me. The scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing wolf washes over me, thick and musky with undertones

inside first, his 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

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

he rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. “If it isn’t little Ava Grey, back

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

unless it’s absolutely necessary,” he warns, his

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Homecoming

here soon for dinner. I don’t

then.”

only widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you say, Phoenix. We’ll be perfect

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

just here to make sure you don’t try to run off

can we?”

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