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 practically see the

twist of his lips. “Westwood sent her back as a challenge. Lucas is getting

12:44

2/8

Ava: Homecoming

stutters at the mention of

and searing touches flooding my

somehow get word

It’s possible.

enough to put my hopes on

it’s better than relying on Phoenix.

our concerns right now,” my father rumbles. “We need to focus on securing

voice low and dangerous. “What about the Aspen Pack? You don’t think they’re involved in this

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

for me? To use

Aspen get along well” Dad

12:44

3/8

Ava: Homecoming (VI)

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

my stomach. There are too many eyes between

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

move without the Council’s approval. Because Ava is our pack, we can argue that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy enough to neutralize them as a threat. So keep your

***

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

glance up from her phone as I approach, her fingers tapping away at the screen with a single–minded focus. I hesitate, unsure of how to

12.44

4/8

64 Ava: Homecoming

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

immediately, and for a moment, I wonder if she even heard me. But then, with a sigh, she lowers her phone and turns to face me, her blue eyes. assessing. “Fine,” she says, her tone clipped. “What do you want, Ava?”

do I want? I want to be free of this suffocating house, this oppressive pack. I want to find my way

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

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

and I can

as

12

5/8

Ava: Homecoming (VI))

do you want to talk to

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