Tangled

76 Ava: Saved

Lucas‘ scent hits me after I’ve already tried to murder him.

An unmistakable blend of the outdoors, of amber and

campfire smoke, of something so uniquely mate that it draws me in even through the pain of our past.

It’s him. He’s here.

The knife clatters from my trembling hand as every muscle in my body goes lax with relief. I’d been so tense, coiled tight like a spring ready to snap, terrified of losing my life tonight. But now Lucas is here.

He came for me.

“Lucas,” I breathe out, hope and prayer all in one, the sound barely more than a whisper. My entire body crumples, overworked in its stress.

He’s really here. I’m not dreaming. He’s not a

hallucination. This is real. Real.

My mate.

My savior.

10:07

76 Ava: Saved Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Strong arms wrap around me, drawing me in against an embrace both hard and warm, filled with assurance

and yearning. His hands hold me as if I’m some tender, precious thing, going from my back, up to the back of my head, brushing gently against my hair. He’s dropping kisses over the top of my head, against my eyebrows, then my eyes, whispering my name in a ragged chant before crushing me to him once again.

“Ava. Ava. Sweet Ava. You’re safe now. Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you, Ava. You’re safe now.” His voice rumbles, vibrating his chest against my cheek. One hand cradles my head, the other runs soothing lines down my back.”

I want to respond. I want to ask him why he’s here. To thank him for coming. To tell him how terrified I was. To explain everything. But only a choked sob comes out as all the emotions of the last few days takes over, gripping my body in a cold–fingered grip of horror and

distress.

Tears pour down my face, soaking into the fabric of his shirt as I cling to him, as if letting him go means I can never see freedom again.

alright, sweetheart. Let it out. I’m here now.

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to move,” a shifter I didn’t notice

behind

at him, but Lucas holds my head firmly against his chest, rubbing me in that soothing rhythm as I try

bring with you?” Lucas asks, and I

Nothing.

nothing here worth keeping.

going to carry you, Ava. We need to go fast, before anyone

head, blowing out a shuddering breath, then filling

Another breath out.

my legs and lifting me as though I

feign modesty, or worry if I’m too heavy. I just lean against him, trying to breathe in a way that sounds less…

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he’s talking over his shoulder, so I close my eyes and relax

tangled web that brought me here. I just want to be a

thought tugs at my consciousness, and I jerk

my voice. “I think

phone out of my pocket and hands it to one of the shifters accompanying us. Without blinking, the strange shifter crushes the

is earthy and familiar, very neutral–seeming. “This will help conceal your scent for a while,” he explains, before handing me a small pill. “And swallow

76 Ava: Saved

you by scent.”

leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, but I welcome the added protection it

had so much suspicion when Clayton came to my rescue, but with Lucas–despite our history–I can feel

are crazy like

a clipped pace. Lucas leads the way, his strides purposeful and determined, and the strange shifter with

shadows as we leave the house.

envelop us, the darkness broken only by the occasional beam of moonlight filtering through the canopy above. The humid summer air is heavy with the scent of

a single one of

scent diffusers are

15:08 — .‘

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and underbrush. Lucas never falters, his grip on me secure and unwavering. I press my face against his chest, focusing

probably tell him I can walk, but my entire

seems to blur as we navigate the labyrinth of the forest, putting as much distance as possible between us and the Blackwood territory. The only sounds are their controlled breathing

hours. Lucas‘ breathing has never faltered, even

Peak,” he answers, his words soft. “We have cars. From there, you’ll be taken straight to Westwood. I have to stay here-” there’s agony on his face as he says this, a spasm in his jaw, “–because

to understand