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 shifter,

on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in

Ava: A

mate as he walks out the door, talking on the

My what?

My lover?

not my lover. We had sex, yes. Lots of sex.

might be pregnant.

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

going to have

about this.

No, not discreet. I need to tell Lucas, now, because he’s going to find out

is Clayton calling him?

who

he wanting

Shit.

by the neck, squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton.

3/8

Ava A

hall, talking to the

should

Oh, fuck.

dizzy with all the emotions and thoughts dashing

for so long?

wait–maybe it isn’t my Clayton.

not my Clayton. Aspen’s Clayton.

some other

doesn’t even sound real anymore, after repeating it so many times in a row. Maybe

just a figment of my

Hah.

that be

starting to

4/8

Ava: A

because of

Breathe, Ava.

and prepare for the

give you a

in Blackwood anymore.

hug them tightly and practice deep breathing, filling my lungs as best as I can. In through my nose, out through my mouth. Slow and steady. I

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

In.

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

13:24

5/8