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.

Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access

Now to wait.

the bandages wrapped around my neck. Memories of the

And my mate.

foreign, even as

So much has happened.

weeks ago, I was indignant at his presence in Cedarwood,

he tried to show me he

I caving too soon?

chance, nothing can happen

Missing,

And even then…

other secrets. Like my powers. And Selene.

a thousand reasons against. reconnecting with Lucas.

exercise

my fingers against the quilt, because I have no ring to twirl. Every steady beep from the machines around me

necklace and ring, what will

me?

point will the people around

that I’m different?

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

to manifest against

with no answers, and I

look on the nurse’s

418

Missing,

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

bounces around in my belly, like a hyperactive raccoon.

up and moving a bit?” she suggests brightly, even as she approaches with a no–nonsense gait, her eyes already on all the cords keeping me in place. “It’ll–be good

an order in that way nurses do.

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 of “pain stabs

and I

nurse coaches, steadying me with a hand on my back. “One step at

opens a clear package of giant yellow socks.

5/8

<

Missing,

me from

It’s tile, yet the cold doesn’t reach through the thick fabric now snuggling my feet.

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

walk on.

for support as I heave myself into a standing position, taking in deep gasps of air as I fight

ambitious movement.