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

as a challenge. Lucas

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Ava: Homecoming

at the

eyes and searing

get word to

It’s possible.

treated me. But are his apologies enough to put my hopes on him for

it’s better than relying on Phoenix.

father rumbles. “We need

don’t think they’re involved in this somehow? Isn’t it odd

and I strain to hear my father’s response, my hands stilling in the soapy water. They

they suddenly began looking for

Aspen get along

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Homecoming (VI)

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

many

and even Clayton isn’t an option. More, they’re planning the mating between

that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy enough

***

see Jessa lounging on the couch the next morning when I venture downstairs. The house is eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle of my family’s presence. It’s unsettling, especially considering the

away at

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64 Ava: Homecoming (VI)

take a deep breath and settle onto the couch near her, careful to maintain a respectful distance. “Hey, Jess,” I venture, my voice sounding too loud and unnatural. “How have

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

What do I want? I want to be free of this suffocating house, this oppressive pack. I want to find my way back to the life I’ve

when I don’t know what she’s thinking. Is it possible she, too, worries about Phoenix’s standing

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

and I can practically see the

turning in her head as she tries

12

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Homecoming

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

smile, hoping it doesn’t look as strained as it feels. “I know