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.”

can practically

his lips. “Westwood sent her back as a challenge.

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Homecoming

heart stutters at the mention

searing touches flooding my senses.

I can somehow get word

It’s possible.

for how he treated me. But are his apologies enough to put my hopes on him for an escape

than relying on

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

pause, 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? Isn’t it odd that Ava was found there, right after Lucas was

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

for me? To use me against him?

get along well” Dad says

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Homecoming (VI)

our card to neutralize Aspen. Once

in my stomach. There are too many eyes between Blackwood

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

is our pack, we can argue that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy enough to neutralize them as

***

house is eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle of my family’s presence. It’s unsettling, especially considering the events

approach, her fingers tapping away at the screen with a single–minded focus. I hesitate, unsure of

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64 Ava: Homecoming (VI)

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

a sigh, she lowers her phone and turns to face me, her blue eyes. assessing. “Fine,” she says, her tone clipped. “What do

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

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

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

and I can

turning in her head as she tries

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Ava: Homecoming (VI))

you want to talk to me?” she asks, her voice laced with suspicion.

doesn’t look as strained as it feels. “I