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

1/8

C

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.

of the

didn’t he?”

they don’t hear me, because–well, they’re still

hardwood as she storms after Kellan. “We don’t need a guard dog watching our every move in here. What, you think someone’s going to scale fifteen stories and

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

248

in Westwood (1)

height. People crowd

It’s busy.

from Cedarwood. From the Novel Grind and its cozy charm. From

made my own.

From Selene.

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

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, that she’d found a way to reach me despite the distance. But as the hours tick by with no sign of her, doubt begins to creep

insidious and cold.

or worse? The thought makes my stomach

15.30

<

Life in Westwood

now. Her absence leaves me feeling

eyes shut as if I can will her into existence through sheer desperation. Please, Selene, I beg silently. Please be okay. I need

muted sounds of the

aspect of our lives!” Lisa’s voice cracks like a whip, jolting me out of my spiraling

Ava’s safety is our top priority. We can’t take any chances. Not all

vomit, but it’s the memories of Todd’s attack that flash

978

Ava Life in

skin, the way his teeth dug into my neck and

in my head, rent–free. S~ᴇaʀᴄh

waiting for the torment of my pack members to end. Of the day I’d resolved to leave my pack. Of

jaw, fighting against the

won’t let anyone

begin training tomorrow. Self–defense and more. 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 at me

wrong way.

a lot of things, I

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255