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.
18
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.
feel Todd get up from the couch. The absence
filling the doorway. His eyes find me on the couch and his expression darkens. Without a word, he
himself directly in front of the TV
12.39
2/8
Ava: Homecoming (II)
my head back to
eyes
swirling in their depths. Anger, disappointment, id something else I can’t
side of my face, but I refuse to break eye contact with Dad. I won’t cower,
I think he might speak, might unleash
expect.
He simply stands there, his gaze locked with mine, as
says, “Have something
to have has to be hidden deep
victory.
see you’ve been so worried about me. So many questions
12:39
318
C
Ava: Homecoming
I okay. What a
to keep my mouth shut, too. When did I develop this level
parents come home after their daughter’s been missing, and not a word out
two decades is
can’t do
says in his
to call him any form
father.
in his jaw clenches. “I see that you’ve become a degenerate in your absence. I’m letting it pass today
repeated his words in a mocking tone that made me laugh.
<
Ava: Homecoming (II)
the remote
it off.
voice like ice. “Get
person.”
seen better days a hundred years ago. Mom’s gaze is cutting, appraising me from head to toe with an expression
neck and
hand down my body with a
“Since I don’t have parents who actually take care of me. I’m
before I can
5/8
Homecoming
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