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.

frozen glacier of wolfless

Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access

A

he walks out the door, talking on the

My what?

My lover?

We had sex,

and I might

I am. Because wouldn’t they

going to have to

about this.

not discreet. I need to tell Lucas, now, because he’s going to find out

is Clayton

he know who

wanting

Shit.

anxiety grabs me by the neck, squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton. Of all

3/8

Ava A Mild

stare at the door, closed behind Lucas. He’s already in the hall, talking to the man who

man who took the virginity that should have been

Oh, fuck.

dizzy with all the emotions and thoughts dashing through my head,

earth could they be talking about for so

isn’t my Clayton.

not my Clayton. Aspen’s Clayton.

it’s some

real anymore, after repeating it so many times in a row. Maybe he doesn’t exist at all,

was just a figment of

Hah.

be

loopy. I’m starting to think ridiculous

4/8

Ava: A

all because of panic.

Breathe, Ava.

prepare for the conversation.

will give you a chance

not in Blackwood anymore.

deep breathing, filling my lungs as best as I can. In through my nose, out through my mouth. Slow and steady. I close my eyes, trying to focus solely on the rhythm of my

body. The anxious thoughts continue. Clayton. Lucas. What they could be discussing. What Lucas will say or do when he finds out the truth. Magicians and Lycans. Selene.

In. Out.

situation like this. Life. isn’t always going to be roses. It

13:24

5/8