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,

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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.

back” Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters

Now to wait.

of the

And my mate.

feels foreign, even as

warmth within me. So much has happened.

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

of him as he tried

I caving

him a chance, nothing can happen until I talk

Missing, AGAIN

And even then…

secrets. Like my

like there are a thousand reasons against. reconnecting with

is an exercise

ring to twirl. Every steady beep from the machines around me only amplifies the anxious, never–ending cycle of worry

ring,

me?

point will the people around

that I’m different?

no signs–but, I just had my

powers begin to manifest against my

of the vicious cycle of questions with no answers,

the look on the nurse’s

418

Ava: Missing, AGAIN

so sorry, dear,” she says. “The security team hasn’t called back

like a

moving a bit?” she suggests brightly, even as she approaches with a no–nonsense gait, her eyes already

isn’t really a question, but an order in that way nurses do.

she flips the blanket off my legs and helps me wiggle over to the edge of the

and I

on my back. “One step at a time. Hold

waiting for the wave of pain to recede as she opens a clear package of giant yellow socks. They have little rubbery circles

5/8

<

Ava: Missing,

me

my body forward, I ease my feet against the floor. It’s tile, yet the cold

aren’t cute, but right now, I love them more than anything I’ve

walk on.

into a standing position, taking in deep gasps

ambitious movement.