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

her back as a challenge. Lucas is getting bolder. We should respond.”

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Homecoming (VI)

the mention of

and searing touches flooding my senses. Lucas.

word to him,

It’s possible.

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

it’s better than relying on

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

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 seen with

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

that why they suddenly began looking for

along well” Dad says

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Homecoming (VI)

to keep Ava with us. She’s our card to neutralize Aspen. Once she’s mated to the alpha,

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

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

It’s easy enough to neutralize them as a threat. So keep your focus on Westwood,

***

couch the next morning when I venture downstairs. The house is eerily quiet,

approach, her fingers tapping away at

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64 Ava: Homecoming

careful to maintain a respectful distance. “Hey, Jess,” I

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

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

don’t know what she’s thinking. Is it possible

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

I can practically see the

in her head as she tries

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Ava: Homecoming

do you want to talk to me?” she asks, her voice laced

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