Tangled

61 Ava: Homecoming (III)

Alpha Renard is someone I have had few encounters with. He’s come by the house many times through my life, but my parents always sent me to my room, not wanting to parade their shame in front of him.

Today is different.

Today, he sits across from me at the dinner table as my mother serves him, apologizing for the dinner- something Phoenix had brought home from a

restaurant in town. Everyone’s gaze seems to center

on me.

I can tell Phoenix and Dad are furious with me, but

there’s little point in looking in their direction. There’s no point ruining what tiny appetite I have.

Alpha Renard is an imposing figure, towering well over six feet with a muscular build that speaks of years of combat training. His brown hair is neatly trimmed and his face shaved; I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a state of disarray. He likes to show off the deep scars.

clawed across his face.

Shifters don’t scar easily, but it isn’t impossible.

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17

61 Ava: Homecoming (III)

Like all alphas, he has an intimidating presence and a confident air that demands respect. But his eyes hold a cruel glint that has me cringing from eye contact.

He won’t stop staring at me, even as he talks with the

others.

I keep my gaze fixed on the plate in front of me. Alpha Renard’s intense stare burns into my face, making my skin prickle with unease. His eyes linger on the split in my lip, the abnormal color across my cheeks. They still throb.

the tense silence. “What

clears his throat, his

willful in her

discipline to correct such behavior.”

at his words. I risk a glance, finding a sinister look come over Alpha Renard’s features. “I

back to me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that makes me want

Homecoming

voice laced with a dark

the words caught

sense the challenge in his

had me. But how

know everything, and I lie,

if they don’t, and I tell them everything–wouldn’t

that be worse?

So I lie.

happened to be in a car with some rogue shifters they were chasing, and got injured. They took care of my wounds after that

give off a scent of deception? Or is it because he

buttery roasted potato,

Homecoming

to fight to keep from gagging,

eating, maybe he won’t bother me.

But he does.

an omega, and the alpha forced you into a mating. We will fight back so you can regain your freedom.

heart, squeezing the air from my lungs. He’d wanted to breed me before I ever left the pack. If they decide I’m a true omega, like Clayton did, I’ll never be able to escape that fate. I shake my head, desperate to deny his claims. “I’ve never been given a pack designation. I’m not an omega.”

his giant fist on

I flinch,

seat.

know all about your heat. How you threw yourself at the Aspen alpha, begging him

17:41

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Homecoming

father’s voice cuts through the tension, dripping with disgust. “You’re an embarrassment to the

Blackwood Pack, Ava.”

me. Anger surges through my

to keep it steady. “You’re saying I threw myself at him, but you also just said

Renard’s eyes narrow, his jaw clenching. “Watch your tone, girl,” he snaps, his voice low