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.

the back of the

didn’t he?”

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

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

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

248

in Westwood

this height. People crowd the streets.

It’s busy.

the Novel Grind and

made my own.

From Selene.

curled around my mind like a contented cat.

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 she’d found a way

insidious and cold.

thought makes my stomach twist, bile rising in

15.30

<

Life in

me

will her into existence

answer, just the muted sounds of 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

is heavy, weighted with the 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

pack has me shuddering. Thinking of Mom and Dad makes me want to vomit, but it’s the memories

978

Ava Life in Westwood

way his teeth dug into

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

over my head, waiting for the torment of my pack members to end. Of the day I’d

I work at my jaw, fighting against

girl anymore. I survived. I fought back. And I won’t let anyone make me feel powerless again,

begin training tomorrow. Self–defense and more. I’m looking forward to it in a way that makes me almost want to shy

wrong way.

dying will change a lot of things,

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