Tangled

87 Ava: Missing, AGAIN

Panic has me looking around the room, as if they would just be sitting somewhere. It’s most likely that someone took my jewelry off when I was brought in.

My gaze falls upon the various wires and tubes tethering me to the bed. A thin IV line snakes its way into the crook of my elbow, delivering fluids and medication. A catheter bag hangs from the side of the bed, freeing me from any need for the bathroom.

All great, until I need to get up and look for something. Son of a bitch.

There’s a wheeled table for meals, but all it has is some paperwork that seems to be welcoming me to the -hospital. Does anyone even read those things?

Panic is well on its way to blowing its top inside of my head and setting off a full–scale anxiety attack. My eyes dart from the nightstand to the small closet, but there’s no sign of my jewelry anywhere.

I keep trying to fiddle with a ring that is no longer on my finger, and it’s driving me crazy.

87 Ava: Missing, AGAIN

Finally, I remember the call light. With a trembling finger, I depress the button.

Seconds feel like an eternity as I wait, my mind racing with possibilities. What if they were lost in the woods, during the attack? I hadn’t stopped to see if they’d fallen off. If they’re all the way out there, how the hell do I get them back?

I don’t know a lot about Lucas, but I know alphas.

He’d never let me go back there, and it would be impossible to explain how important the jewelry is. I can’t just tell him that they’re used to keep my power hidden.

The gentle click of the door opening draws my

attention, and a kind–faced nurse steps into the room. “She’s older, and smells of human and rubbing alcohol. “Did you press your call light, dear?”

“My necklace and ring,” I blurt out, struggling to keep my voice calm despite the desperation seeping into it. “I can’t find them anywhere. Do you know what happened to them?”

The nurse’s expression softens with understanding. “I’m afraid I wasn’t here when you were first admitted,

28

17 Aus MosNE JOAN

sweetheart. But let me check with the security team.

It’s standard procedure to put any valuables in a safety box, especially when the patient isn’t conscious.”

Relief washes over me at her words, and I nod gratefully. “Thank you. Those items mean so much to

1. me.

on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters

Now to wait.

of the past few days flood my mind–the terror,

And my mate.

word still feels foreign, even as it

warmth within me. So

that a few short weeks ago, I was indignant at his presence in Cedarwood, thinking

he tried to show me he

caving too soon?

even if I’m willing to give him a chance, nothing can happen until

Ava: Missing, AGAIN

And even then…

Like my powers. And Selene.

there are a thousand reasons against. reconnecting with

exercise

because I have no ring to twirl. Every steady beep from the machines around

and ring, what will

me?

point will the

that I’m different?

hit another heat? So far, there are no signs–but, I just had my heat a few weeks ago, with

to manifest against

the door opening forces me out of the vicious cycle of questions with no answers, and I feel hope rise in me, only to be dashed a

on

418

Missing, AGAIN

she says. “The security team hasn’t called back yet. It might take some time.”

like a hyperactive raccoon. “Thank you for letting

get you up and moving a bit?” she suggests brightly, even as she approaches with a no–nonsense

question, but an

a gentle touch, she flips the blanket off my legs and helps me wiggle over to the edge of the bed, her movements careful and deliberate. A sharp twinge

and I

my back. “One step at a time. Hold on, let me get you

a clear package of giant

5/8

<

Ava: Missing, AGAIN

to keep me from slipping.

I ease my feet against the floor. It’s tile, yet the cold doesn’t reach

love them more than anything I’ve ever worn. Cold floors are the worst to

walk on.

I heave myself into a standing position, taking in deep gasps of air as I fight against the pain

ambitious movement.