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 see the

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

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Homecoming (VI)

heart stutters at the mention

searing touches flooding my

can somehow get word to him,

It’s possible.

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

better than relying

my father rumbles. “We need to

You don’t think they’re involved in this

hear my father’s response, my hands stilling in the soapy water. They knew about that?

began looking for me? To use me against him?

along

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Ava: Homecoming (VI)

need to keep Ava with us. She’s our card to neutralize Aspen.

are too many eyes between Blackwood and Westwood to ever reach

More, they’re planning

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 focus on Westwood, and don’t worry

***

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

I approach, her fingers tapping away

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64 Ava: Homecoming (VI)

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

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.

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 built for myself, to the people who have become

any of that, not to Jessa. Not when I don’t know what she’s thinking. Is it possible she, too, worries about Phoenix’s standing

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 practically see the

in her head as

12

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Ava: Homecoming (VI))

to me?” she asks, her

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