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 see

as a challenge. Lucas is getting bolder. We

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Homecoming

at the mention of that

searing touches

get word to him, would he…?

It’s possible.

he treated me. But are his apologies enough to put my

it’s better than relying on

now,” my father

about the Aspen Pack? You don’t think they’re involved

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

suddenly began looking for me?

and Aspen get along well” Dad says

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Homecoming

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

are too many

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

that Aspen kidnapped her. It’s easy enough to neutralize them

***

morning when I venture downstairs. The house is eerily quiet, devoid of the usual bustle of my family’s presence. It’s unsettling,

her fingers tapping away at the screen with a single–minded focus.

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64 Ava:

to maintain a respectful distance. “Hey, Jess,” I venture, my voice

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

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,

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

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

and I can practically

head as she

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Ava: Homecoming

talk to me?” she asks, her voice laced

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