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.

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

Now to wait.

tracing the bandages wrapped around my neck. Memories of the past few days flood my mind–the terror, the

And my mate.

foreign, even

me. So much

think that a few short weeks ago, I was indignant

him as he tried to show

caving too soon?

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

Ava: Missing,

And even then…

Like my powers. And

thousand reasons against. reconnecting

an exercise in patience.

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

ring, what will happen

me?

what point will the people around

that I’m different?

another heat? So far, there are no signs–but, I just had

to manifest

questions with no answers, and I feel hope rise in me, only

on the

418

Missing, AGAIN

she says. “The security team hasn’t called back yet. It might

knot of worry bounces around in my belly, like a hyperactive raccoon. “Thank you for

don’t we get you up and moving a bit?” she suggests brightly, even as she approaches with

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

to the edge of the bed, her movements

and I

hand on my back. “One

directed, waiting for the wave of pain to recede as she opens a clear package of giant yellow socks. They

5/8

<

Missing, AGAIN

me from

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

aren’t cute, but right now, I love them more than anything I’ve ever worn. Cold floors are the

walk on.

metal rod for support as I heave myself into a standing position, taking

ambitious movement.