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 I have to make

No, thank you.

worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I’ve grown to despise over

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 to play nice, to lull me into

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

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

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

had been obsessed with at

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 dialogue. A lump forms in my throat,

1. me.

trembling omega mate, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that could set the screen on fire. “I will never choose her,” he growls, his voice

you go.

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

woman.

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Ava: Homecoming (1)

opens the door, but my body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea–inducing wolf

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

smells now. I

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

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

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

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dinner. I don’t need any issues

then.”

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

and I 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

make sure you don’t try to

can we?”