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.”

scoffs, and I can practically

back as a challenge. Lucas is

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Homecoming (VI)

stutters at the mention

intense golden eyes and searing touches flooding

somehow get word

It’s possible.

But are his apologies enough to put my hopes on him

it’s better than relying on

the least of our concerns right now,” my father

and then Phoenix speaks again, his voice low and dangerous. “What about the Aspen Pack? You don’t think they’re involved in this somehow?

my father’s response, my hands stilling in the soapy

that why they suddenly began looking for me? To use me against

get along

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Homecoming

our card to neutralize Aspen. Once she’s mated to the alpha, it will lend legitimacy to our petition.”

forms in my stomach. There are too many eyes between Blackwood and Westwood to

isn’t an option. More, they’re planning the mating between me and Alpha

without the Council’s approval. Because Ava is our pack, we can argue that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy

***

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 events of last

her phone as I approach, her fingers tapping away at the screen with a single–minded focus. I

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Ava: Homecoming

the couch near her, careful to maintain a respectful distance. “Hey, Jess,” I venture, my voice sounding too loud and unnatural.

even heard me. But then, with a sigh, she lowers her phone and turns to face me, her blue eyes.

free of this suffocating house, this oppressive pack. I want to

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

nonchalance. “Nothing, really. Just wanted to chat, I guess. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to talk, just

I can practically see the

as she tries to decipher

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Ava: Homecoming

want to talk to me?”

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