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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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.

back of

didn’t he?”

they don’t hear me,

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

glass. Skyscrapers pierce

248

Ava Life in Westwood (1)

height. People

It’s busy.

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

made my own.

From Selene.

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

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, that

insidious and cold.

What if she’s hurt, or worse? The thought makes my stomach twist, bile rising in my throat. I can’t lose her. She’s a part

15.30

<

Life in Westwood

absence leaves me feeling

against the cool glass, squeezing my eyes shut as if I can will her into existence through sheer desperation. Please, Selene, I beg silently. Please be okay.

no answer, just the muted sounds of the city and Lisa’s ongoing argument with Kellan.

voice cracks like a whip, jolting

responsibility -he carries. “Lisa, I understand your frustration. But Ava’s safety is our top priority. We can’t take any chances. Not all the Blackwoods are accounted

me want to vomit, but it’s the memories of Todd’s attack that flash behind my

978

in Westwood (1)

way his teeth dug into my neck and shoulders.

about that odious little shit again, but his nightmares live in my head, rent–free.

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

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

helpless girl anymore. I survived. I fought back. And I won’t let anyone make

Lisa and I 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

wrong way.

dying will change a lot

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