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.

I can feel Todd get up from the couch. The absence of his presence is a relief, even

me on the couch and his expression darkens. Without a word, he

himself directly in front of the

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Homecoming (II)

head back to meet his gaze, unflinching. His

eyes

their depths. Anger, disappointment, id something else I can’t

tension in the room is palpable, thick enough to choke on. Mom’s cold stare digs into the side of my face, but I refuse

clenches, the muscles flexing beneath his weathered skin. For a moment, I think

expect.

come. He simply stands there, his gaze locked with mine, as if searching for something he can’t

at Mom and says, “Have something delivered. The

I want to have has to be hidden

victory.

to the TV. “So good to see you’ve been

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Homecoming (II)

okay. What a loving,

keep my mouth shut, too. When did

missing, and not a word out of their mouth is

life like this for two decades

do another second.

in

I say, refusing to call him

father.

your absence. I’m letting it pass today because

have repeated his words in a mocking tone that made me laugh.

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Homecoming (II)

snatch the remote from my hand

it off.

trash, Ava,” she admonishes, her voice like ice. “Get dressed in something more presentable.

person.”

my worn–out jeans, with holes in the knees and in a couple places along my thighs, and my faded t–shirt that might have seen better days a hundred years ago. Mom’s gaze is cutting, appraising me

neck and ears.

wave a hand down my

I don’t have parents who actually

before I can even register

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Homecoming

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