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.
I can feel Todd get up from the couch. The absence of his presence is a relief, even with
doorway. His eyes find me on the couch and his expression darkens. Without a word, he strides
nlanting himself directly in
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Ava: Homecoming (II)
my head back to meet
eyes
storm of emotions swirling in their depths. Anger, disappointment, id something
enough to choke on. Mom’s cold stare digs into the side of my face, but I refuse
skin. For a moment, I think he might speak, might unleash the torrent of reprimands I’ve come
expect.
words never come. He simply stands there, his gaze locked with mine,
something delivered. The alpha will be
I want to have has to be hidden deep in
victory.
to see you’ve been so worried about me.
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318
C
Homecoming (II)
been, am I okay. What a loving, caring family. We’re so
my mouth shut, too. When did I develop this
and not a word out of their mouth is even fake
like this for two decades is more
can’t do another second.
dad says in his
refusing to call him
father.
absence. I’m letting it pass today because you’ve been through a lot, but make no
mocking tone that made me laugh. But she’s not,
<
Homecoming (II)
the remote from
it off.
be watching that level of trash, Ava,” she admonishes, her voice like ice.
person.”
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
her neck and
my body with a bright smile.
as presentable as I get,” I say, each word enveloped in wry amusement. “Since I don’t have parents who actually take
before I can even register the
5/8
Ava: Homecoming (II)
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