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.
up from the couch. The
frame filling the doorway. His eyes find me on the couch and his expression darkens. Without
in front of
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Ava: Homecoming (II)
head back to meet
eyes
disappointment, id something else I can’t
palpable, thick enough to choke on. Mom’s cold stare digs into the side of
weathered skin. For a moment, I think he might speak, might unleash the torrent of reprimands I’ve come
expect.
gaze locked with mine, as if
Mom and says, “Have something delivered. The alpha will
to be hidden deep in my
victory.
“So good to see you’ve been so worried about
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C
Ava: Homecoming (II)
okay. What a loving, caring family. We’re
mouth shut, too. When did I develop this level of spine?
parents come home after their daughter’s been missing, and not a word out
my life like this for two decades is more than enough.
do another
my dad says in
Alexander,” I say, refusing to call him any form
father.
become a degenerate in your absence. I’m letting it pass today because you’ve been through a lot, but make no
here, she would have repeated his words in a mocking tone that made me
<
Homecoming
to snatch the remote from my hand and
it off.
cannot be watching that level of trash, Ava,” she admonishes, her voice like ice. “Get dressed in something more presentable. You look like a
person.”
several responses coming to mind as I look down at 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 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 down payment on someone’s house, tasteful
neck and ears.
hand down my body
“Since I don’t have parents who actually take care of me. I’m the
comes before I can even
5/8
Ava: Homecoming
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