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, stuck

on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and

A Mild

my fated mate as he walks out the door, talking on the phone with my…

My what?

My lover?

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

might be pregnant.

Because wouldn’t they have

going to have to somehow discreetly

about this.

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

is Clayton

he know who I am?

wanting me back?

Shit.

squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton. Of all

3/8

A

hall, talking to the man who saw all of

virginity that should have been

Oh, fuck.

with all the emotions and thoughts dashing through

so long?

isn’t

not my Clayton.

some other

repeating it so many times

figment of my imagination.

Hah.

be

I’m starting to think ridiculous

4/8

Ava: A Mild

all because of

Breathe, Ava.

and prepare for

you a chance

not in Blackwood anymore.

to my chest, I 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 close my eyes, trying to focus solely on the

entire body. The anxious thoughts continue. Clayton. Lucas. What they could be discussing. What Lucas will say

Out. In. Out.

handle a situation like this. Life. isn’t always going to be roses. It never was before, and it’s not going

13:24

5/8