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 lot better.”

and hurt a little when I blink. Still–having Lisa here, -being able to cry,

It’s helped.

A lot.

of her,” Lisa says earnestly, like an older sister more than a friend.

it’s my job. And even if

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Ava Lisa

no when it comes to Ava’s care. She’s

hands here.”

of everything, and it’s not a secret. Still, hearing it stated so

cares about you, you know,” Dr. Beaumont continues, her voice softening. “I’ve never seen him so

worried.”

of me is thrilled at the idea of Lucas caring so much. But another part, the part that’s still raw and hurting from everything that’s happened, is terrified of

finally. “I

what I’ve seen, the two of you have something special. Don’t let fear hold you back from

knows better than anyone how conflicted I am about Lucas, about

see how you were doing” Dr. Beaumont straightens

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Lisa (II)

I’m just here to check your wounds again. Without 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 keep

on.”

disposable purple gloves as she speaks. Lisa settles into the recliner by my bed, giving us space, but

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

healed remarkably well, Ava. They’re a bit raised and discolored, but that’s to be expected with such deep wounds. They might heal completely, but one can never tell

of carrying these scars, these permanent reminders of what Todd did to me, makes my skin

Lisa

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,

head, the truth hidden behind my denial. “No,” I admit softly. “I’ve always healed normally.” There’s no reason to explain Selene’s

if we can get over

we aren’t there yet.

with

the issue. “Well, regardless, this is excellent news. You’re well on your way

that, a grin spreading across her face. “That’s great! You can come stay with

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a hotel.