Tangled

Chapter 96

96 Ava: Life in Westwood (I)

Lucas still calls me every night, but Lisa had helped encourage me to text him yesterday, asking for space, at least until he returns to Westwood.

I’m sure he gets hourly reports from all my guards, but at least I don’t have to worry about playing nice when I’m starting to feel resentful and frustrated, despite knowing I should be grateful for being saved.

I’m grateful to him for a lot. Having guards around should be a small price for all of this. It’s just hard.

“Welcome home!” Lisa exclaims as she flings open the door to her new apartment.

When Lisa said that Lucas had settled her into an

apartment, I’d expected something… I don’t know.

Normal?

This is far from normal.

The luxurious living room has been decorated in some

sort of eclectic, artistic mix of boho wall decor and minimalist furniture, leaving bright, wide open spaces with bright splashes of color and texture on the walls.

13:30

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96 Ava. Life in Westwood (1)

Floor–to–ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, framed by curtains I’m afraid to even touch. How can curtains look so expensive?

A sleek kitchen gleams in the corner, all stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, with white

cabinets that are going to be a terrible experience to keep clean. It’s like the entire apartment was made with maid service in mind.

the back of the luxurious leather couch. “Lucas really

didn’t he?”

hear me, because–well, they’re still

clatter of her -heels against the hardwood as she storms after Kellan. “We don’t need a guard dog watching our every move in here.

out Kellan’s gruff response, focusing instead on the sprawling cityscape beyond the glass. Skyscrapers pierce the sky, glinting in the afternoon sun. Cars crawl along the

248

Ava Life in Westwood (1)

height. People crowd the

It’s busy.

the Novel Grind and its cozy charm. From the

made my own.

From Selene.

of her. It’s been so long since I’ve heard her voice in my head, felt her presence curled around my mind like a contented cat. I keep reaching for her, hoping to brush against the familiar warmth of her consciousness, but there’s only silence. A void where she should be.

had healed at such a rate that I’d truly expected to hear Selene in my head any day now, assuming it was a side effect of our bond. I’d hoped it meant Selene was getting closer,

insidious and cold.

or worse? The thought makes my stomach twist,

15.30

<

Life in Westwood

now. Her absence leaves me feeling

can will her into existence through sheer desperation. Please,

the muted sounds of the

care if he’s the alpha, Lucas doesn’t get to dictate every aspect of our lives!” Lisa’s voice cracks like a whip, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. “Ava’s been through enough. She deserves

safety is our top priority. We can’t take any chances. Not all the Blackwoods are accounted for, and

of Mom and Dad makes me want to vomit, but it’s the memories of Todd’s attack that flash behind my eyelids. The phantom pain

978

in

his teeth dug into my neck and

my head, rent–free. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early

me when I was already curled up on the floor, hands over my head, waiting for the torment of my pack members to end. Of the day I’d resolved to leave my pack. Of his nasty dick

work at my jaw, fighting against the wave of nausea. No, never again.

anyone make me feel powerless again, not even

I’m looking forward to it in a way that makes me almost want to shy away from the newly bloodthirsty urge in my soul–the one that wants to slaughter anyone who looks

wrong way.

will change a lot of

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