Tangled

95 Ava: Lisa (II)

A light tapping at my door pulls us out of our giggling.

“Come in,” I call out, wiping the last of my tears away. I’m sure my eyes are red and puffy, but I can’t find it in Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

me to care.

Dr. Beaumont steps into the room, her smile gentle as she takes in the sight of us huddled together on the bed. “Well now, isn’t this a pretty picture?”

For the past few days, Dr. Beaumont has been

thorough in my care. I’ve come to enjoy her visits, even if they’re just for work. She’s respectful to both nurses and patients, and doesn’t treat me with the awed deference like some of the nurses do.

Everyone knows I’m their alpha’s fated mate, even the humans. Few seem to understand that we aren’t in a

relationship, though.

It is interesting to see how many humans think of Lucas as ‘their‘ alpha, though. I’m used to a distinct difference between shifter and human, even in the Aspen territory. Here, there are humans working alongside shifters, and they even interact with each

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95 Ava Lisa (II)

other. Just yesterday I heard a shifter nurse talking to a human doctor about her mate’s desires for shifted

sex–something I’ve known about but never heard talked about–and the human hadn’t been scandalized.

She’d even asked questions.

Maybe she watches the same show Selene does. TV is great for normalizing things.

“Lisa, this is Dr. Beaumont. She’s been taking care of me.” I introduce them, watching as they shake hands.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lisa.” Dr. Beaumont’s eyes twinkle. “I must say, a little company has really helped

look a

to be a lie. My eyes are still puffy and swollen, and hurt a little when I blink. Still–having Lisa here, -being able to

It’s helped.

A lot.

taking such good care of her,” Lisa says earnestly, like an older sister more than

it’s my job. And even if it wasn’t…” She leans in conspiratorially.

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Ava Lisa (II)

it comes to Ava’s care. She’s in the

hands here.”

treatment and making sure I have the best of everything, and it’s not a secret. Still, hearing it stated so plainly is

cares about you, you know,” Dr. Beaumont continues, her voice softening.

worried.”

so much. But another part, the part that’s still raw and hurting from everything that’s happened, is terrified of what that

I manage finally. “I just…

always are. But from what I’ve seen, the two of

knows better than

and see how you were doing” Dr. Beaumont

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Ava: Lisa

knowing the rate of healing acceleration, we’ll have to check you at least twice a day to make sure everything’s doing well. Sometimes, the wound heals too quickly and traps infection within, causing abscesses. It shouldn’t be an issue with your antibiotics, but still something to

on.”

on a pair of disposable purple gloves as she speaks. Lisa settles into the recliner by my bed, giving us space,

peels back the dressings covering my neck and shoulders, her brow furrowing in surprise as she examines

well, Ava. They’re a bit raised and discolored, but that’s

of carrying these scars, these permanent reminders of what Todd did to me, makes my skin crawl. I don’t want any mark of

Lisa

the wounds on my abdomen, her eyebrows climbing even higher. “And these are nearly healed as well. At this rate, I’d say you’ll be fully recovered by tomorrow.” She glances up at me, curiosity bright in her eyes. “Is this normal for you, Ava? Do you usually heal this quickly? I would say that your rate of healing was

“I’ve always healed normally.” There’s no reason to explain Selene’s existence to anyone here. I still haven’t spoken to Lucas about

the future, if we can get over our past.

aren’t there

with confusion,

this is excellent news. You’re well on your way to

can come stay with me, Ave. Your overprotective alpha has me in a nice

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thus

hotel. It’ll be great!”