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.

the tense silence. “What happened to your daughter’s face?”

father clears his throat,

has become willful

It requires discipline to correct such behavior.”

glance, finding a sinister look come over Alpha Renard’s features. “I will take care of

mine with an

Ava Homecoming (

dark edge. “Why has the Aspen pack taken such an interest

throat feels tight, the

tongue. I can sense

had me. But how much

everything, and I

if they don’t, and

that be worse?

So I lie.

know. I happened to be in a car with some rogue shifters they were chasing, and got injured. They took care of my wounds after that as an apology.” Mostly truth, but I can see by the twitch in Alpha Renard’s jaw that he knows I’m lying.

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

stab at a piece of buttery roasted potato, shoving it into my mouth. It tastes like

Ava: Homecoming (III)

have to fight to keep from gagging, chewing

he won’t bother

But he does.

you can regain your freedom. We are all family here.

a true omega, like Clayton did, I’ll never be able to escape

fist on

flinch, shrinking back in

seat.

me, girl,” he snarls, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. “We know all about your

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Homecoming

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

Blackwood Pack, Ava.”

not unfamiliar to me. Anger surges through my veins, momentarily overpowering my

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

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