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.

back of the luxurious leather couch. “Lucas really

didn’t he?”

me,

voice rises, competing with the 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. What, you think someone’s

cityscape beyond the glass. Skyscrapers pierce the sky, glinting in the afternoon sun.

248

Life in Westwood (1)

People crowd the streets.

It’s busy.

Grind and its cozy charm. From the little apartment I’d

made my own.

From Selene.

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

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,

insidious and cold.

or worse? The thought makes my stomach twist, bile rising in my throat. I can’t lose her.

15.30

<

Ava: Life in

now. Her absence leaves me feeling

eyes shut as if I can will her into existence through

answer, just the muted sounds of the

voice cracks like a whip, jolting me out of my spiraling thoughts. “Ava’s been through enough. She deserves

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

me want to vomit, but it’s the

978

Life in Westwood (1)

teeth dug into my neck

but his nightmares live in my head, rent–free. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ

he’d spent kicking 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.

against the wave of

won’t let anyone

it in a way that makes me almost want to shy away from the

wrong way.

a lot of things, I guess.

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

Comments ()

0/255