Tangled

Chapter 60

60 Ava: Homecoming (II)

When Mom and Dad walk through the door, dinner isn’t ready, because I haven’t once left the couch.

I’m two episodes into a back–to–back marathon of Selene’s favorite show. Todd and his two goonies have tried to get me to cook, but I’ve ignored them at every

turn.

I find it interesting that they never once tried to physically drag me into the kitchen. They would have

before.

I don’t think it’s my attitude; they’re the kind who would beat it out of you, not back down.

So, it’s the order Phoenix gave. But why? What’s planned for me?

Before I left, it was to use me as a breeder for the pack. That isn’t the kind of future where I’m protected from beatings. That means there’s something more…

My stomach clenches. Do they know about my heat?

They have to..

There’s no other explanation.

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60 Ava: Homecoming (II)

If they know I went into heat, then they’ll likely know

about the supposed ‘true omega‘ designation Clayton’s pack had given me.

And if they think I’m that…

Shit.

When the front door opens, I don’t budge. Not a

muscle twitches.

I can smell Mom’s perfume before her heels click against the floor. Even without looking, I can imagine the pinched look on her face. “Ava Grey. Your brother spends all this time to find you and bring you home safely, and you can’t even make dinner to repay him?”

I don’t respond, keeping my eyes trained on the flickering TV screen.

shifters guarding me. I can feel Todd get up from the couch. The absence

eyes find me on

in front

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Homecoming

back to meet

eyes

their depths. Anger, disappointment, id something else I can’t quite place–a hint of wariness, perhaps.

choke on. Mom’s cold stare digs into the side of my face, but I refuse

I think he might speak, might unleash the torrent

expect.

his gaze locked with mine, as if searching

at Mom and says, “Have something

to have has to be hidden deep in my heart. There’s no point in

victory.

see you’ve been so worried about me. So many questions

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Homecoming

I’ve been, am I okay. What a loving,

to keep my mouth shut, too. When did I develop this

and not a word out of their mouth is even

this for two decades

can’t do another

my dad says in

say, refusing to call

father.

absence. I’m letting it pass today because you’ve been through a lot, but

she would have repeated his words in a mocking tone that made me laugh. But she’s not, so I just turn up

<

Homecoming (II)

remote from my

it off.

that level of trash, Ava,” she admonishes, her voice like ice. “Get dressed in something more presentable. You look like a homeless

person.”

ago. Mom’s gaze is cutting, appraising me from head to toe with an expression of utter disdain. She’s dressed to perfection, as she always is, in a designer dress that could put a

neck and ears.

down my body with a bright smile.

as I get,” I say, each word enveloped in wry amusement. “Since I don’t have parents who actually take care of me.

comes before I

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Homecoming

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