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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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.

voice breaks the tense silence. “What happened

clears his throat, his

willful in her

the pack. It requires discipline

come over Alpha Renard’s features. “I

me, his eyes boring into mine with

Homecoming

“So tell me, Ava,” he says, his voice laced with a dark edge. “Why

tight, the words caught like lead

I can sense the challenge

me.

everything, and I lie,

and

that be worse?

So I lie.

They took care of my wounds after that as

I give off a scent of deception?

I stab at a piece of buttery roasted potato, shoving

Ava: Homecoming (III)

have to fight to keep from gagging, chewing in a

eating, maybe he won’t

But he does.

will fight back so you can regain your freedom. We are all family here. You can talk to us.” Alpha Renard’s words

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

giant fist on the table, the dishes

from the force. I flinch, shrinking back in my

seat.

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

17:41

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Homecoming

cuts through the tension, dripping with disgust. “You’re

Blackwood Pack, Ava.”

unfamiliar to me. Anger surges through

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

girl,” he snaps,