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.

of wolfless shifter, stuck on the

website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early

A Mild

the back of my fated mate as he

My what?

My lover?

had

might be

don’t think I am. Because wouldn’t

I’m going to have to somehow

about this.

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

Clayton calling him?

who

he wanting me back?

Shit.

as anxiety grabs me by the neck, squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton. Of all the worst timing that could ever

3/8

Ava A

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

the virginity that should have been saved for my mate.

Oh, fuck.

the emotions and thoughts dashing through my head, back and forth without

on earth could they be talking about for so long? Why isn’t Lucas back

wait–maybe it isn’t

Clayton. Aspen’s

it’s some other Clayton.

after repeating it so many times in a row. Maybe

just a figment of my

Hah.

that be

starting to

4/8

A Mild Overreaction

because of

Breathe, Ava.

prepare for

you a chance to

in Blackwood

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.

the pulsing whoosh so strong that I can feel it echoing through my entire body. The anxious thoughts continue. Clayton. Lucas. What they could be discussing. What Lucas will say or do

Out. In. Out.

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

13:24

5/8