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.”

been dragged home, now I have to make them

No, thank you.

smells like the artificial scent

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 to play nice, to lull me into a

glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels,

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Homecoming

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

had been obsessed with at the apartment.

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

1. me.

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.

my life was as simple as worrying

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

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 pounds against my ribcage as

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

smells now. I can’t even

“If it

stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns

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

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for dinner. I don’t need any

then.”

widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. “Whatever you say,

fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can smell

a step closer. “We’re just here to make sure you don’t try to run off again. Can’t

can we?”