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,

Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels

A Mild

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

My what?

My lover?

my lover. We had sex, yes. Lots

and I might

I don’t think I am. Because wouldn’t they have checked

I’m going to have to somehow discreetly

about this.

I need to tell Lucas, now,

is Clayton calling

know who I

he wanting me

Shit.

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

3/8

A Mild

in the hall, talking to the man

man who took the virginity that should have been saved for my mate.

Oh, fuck.

dashing through my head, back

be talking about for so long? Why isn’t Lucas

wait–maybe it isn’t

my Clayton.

some

after repeating it so many times in a row. Maybe he doesn’t exist

a figment

Hah.

that be nice?

I’m starting

4/8

A Mild

because of

Breathe, Ava.

for the

a chance to

not in Blackwood

knees to my chest, I hug them tightly and practice deep breathing, filling my lungs as best as I can. In through my

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

Out. In.

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

13:24

5/8