Tangled

64 Ava: Homecoming (VI)

Hot water scalds my hands as I scrub dishes in mindless monotony. Anger. Fear. Despair. They all churn together in a toxic mix that threatens to drown

1. me.

I have to stay strong, stay focused. Alpha Renard has

made his intentions clear.

The plates clatter against each other as I rinse them, the sound almost therapeutic in its familiarity. This is what my life has been reduced to–cleaning up after my family, tiptoeing around their expectations, their rules, their control. A mere shadow in my own home.

Muted voices drift in from the other room, and it’s

impossible not to overhear the tense exchange between Phoenix and my father.

“…even more reports of rogues crossing the border,” Phoenix growls, his voice laced with anger. “We can’t let them encroach on our territory.”

My father’s response is quieter, but no less stern. “Have you confirmed the sightings? This has to be done carefully, or else the Council can intervene.”

64 Ava: Homecoming (VI)

“We can’t afford to be complacent,” Phoenix snaps.

What does the Council have to do with rogues? Every pack has the right to deal with rogues as they wish. My confusion has me straining my ears to hear more.

“Easy, son.” My father’s tone is placating, but there’s an undercurrent of steel beneath it. “Just handle this

discreetly. As long as we’re only touching the rogues, no one can do anything. They’re just learning from our game. As long as there’s no evidence, the Council can’t

touch us.”

“That means the Council can’t touch them, either,” Phoenix growls.

“All in due time. We just have to wait a little longer, and everything will be set.”

“It would have been better if Jessa had managed to stay there.”

“She didn’t, so there’s little point in worrying about it.”

and I can

sent her back as a challenge. Lucas is getting bolder. We should

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Ava: Homecoming (VI)

the mention of that

searing touches flooding

somehow get word to him, would

It’s possible.

apologies enough

way, it’s better than relying on Phoenix.

least of our concerns right now,” my father rumbles. “We need to focus

Aspen Pack? You don’t think they’re involved in this somehow? Isn’t it

hear my father’s response, my hands

looking for me? To use

get along well” Dad

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Homecoming

us. She’s our card to neutralize Aspen. Once she’s mated

in my stomach. There are too many eyes

and even Clayton isn’t an option. More, they’re

can argue that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy enough to neutralize them as a threat. So keep your focus on Westwood, and don’t worry about them.”

***

to see Jessa lounging on the couch the next morning when I venture downstairs. The house is eerily quiet, devoid of

phone as I approach, her fingers tapping away at the screen with

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64 Ava: Homecoming

a deep breath and settle onto the couch near her, careful to maintain a respectful distance. “Hey, Jess,” I venture,

moment, I wonder if she even heard me. But then, with a sigh, she lowers her phone and turns to

house, this oppressive pack. I want

that, not to Jessa. Not when I don’t know what she’s thinking. Is

aiming for nonchalance. “Nothing, really. Just wanted to chat, I guess. It’s been a while since

I can practically see

turning in her head as she tries to decipher my

12

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Ava: Homecoming (VI))

“Since when do you want to talk to me?” she asks, her

look as strained as it