Tangled

89 Ava: A Mild Overreaction

I glance away from Lucas, unable to hold his intense gaze. My heart sinks like a stone, the weight of the secrets I’ve kept pressing down on me.”

It isn’t even like I’ve been keeping them on purpose, but I feel like a she–wolf caught cheating on her mate.

And yet no matter how innocent it was at the time–no matter what state our mate connection was in–these are the types of secrets that can bury our relationship before it ever starts. Honesty is the best policy. Better to get it all out in the open, even if he rejects me again.

Even if he formally rejects me.

Last time, the rejection was implied; this time…

I shudder at the thought and take a deep, steadying breath, trying to psych myself up.

I have to talk about my stay with the Aspen pack. About Clayton. I’ll have to explain about my heat, too.

As soon as I gather an ounce of courage, Lucas‘ phone rings again. I gróan audibly, the sound ripping from my throat before I can stop it. “Are you serious?” It’s the

13:24 C

扫越

89 Ava: A Mild Overreaction

middle of the night! Who the hell calls someone in the middle of the night?!

Lucas‘ brows furrow in apology, clearly thinking I’m upset that he’s taking calls during our conversation. “I’m sorry, it will only be a moment.”

“No, no,” I rush to assure him, waving a hand. “That’s not it at all. I’m just…” I trail off, unsure of how to explain.

He leans forward to kiss my forehead. Apparently this is something he’s going to do often.

I don’t mind it, but it doesn’t quite feel like we’re at that point yet.

I really need to talk to him.

“I’m sorry, Ava. This is another alpha. I’ll be right back.”

“Go, go.” I wave him off. It isn’t like I don’t understand the weight of such a call.

But then he utters words that make my blood run cold. “Hey, Clayton, is everything okay?”

I’m frozen.

glacier of wolfless shifter, stuck on

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Ava: A Mild

as he walks out the door, talking on

My what?

My lover?

We had sex, yes. Lots of

might be

am. Because wouldn’t they have checked that already?

to have to somehow discreetly inquire

about this.

I need to tell Lucas, now, because he’s going to

Clayton

who I am?

he wanting

Shit.

catches in my throat as anxiety grabs me by the neck, squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton. Of

3/8

Ava A Mild

He’s already in the hall, talking to the man who saw

should

Oh, fuck.

the emotions and thoughts dashing through my head,

for so long? Why isn’t Lucas back in

wait–maybe it isn’t my Clayton.

not my Clayton. Aspen’s

some

repeating it so many times in a row.

a figment

Hah.

that be nice?

loopy. I’m starting

4/8

Ava: A Mild Overreaction

all because of panic.

Breathe, Ava.

for

give you a

not in

as best as I can. In through my nose, out through my mouth. Slow and steady. I close my eyes, trying to focus solely

feel it echoing through my entire body. The anxious thoughts continue. Clayton. Lucas. What they could be discussing. What Lucas

Out. In. Out.

an option. I’m a grown woman. I can handle a situation like this. Life. isn’t always going to be roses. It

13:24

5/8