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.

my fingers along the back of the luxurious leather

didn’t he?”

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

the clatter of her -heels against the hardwood as she storms after Kellan. “We don’t need a guard dog

cityscape beyond the glass. Skyscrapers pierce the sky, glinting in the afternoon sun. Cars crawl along the streets below,

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Ava Life in Westwood

height. People crowd

It’s busy.

Novel Grind and its cozy charm. From the

made my own.

From Selene.

presence curled around my mind like a contented cat. I keep reaching for her,

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

insidious and cold.

my stomach twist, bile rising in my throat. I can’t lose her. She’s

15.30

<

in

leaves me feeling only

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

answer, just the muted sounds of the city and Lisa’s ongoing

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

sigh 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 for, and there’s

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

978

Ava Life in

teeth dug into my neck and

nightmares live in my head, rent–free.

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

at my jaw, fighting against the wave

won’t let anyone make me feel powerless again, not even the man who claims

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

wrong way.

lot of

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