Tangled

109 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (II)

LISA

A knock on Vanessa’s door has me jumping.

The healer reaches over to pat my hand again. “Don’t worry, dear. It’s just the pack beta. Come in, Kellan.”

The door swings open and Kellan strides in like he owns the place. Damn, why does he have to look like that? All broad shoulders and stubble along his jaw. And his hair is always a tousled mess, like those old romance movies with teen heartthrobs. I love those movies, and he’s got that dirty blond heartbreaker look down to every tiny detail.

I tear my gaze away, cursing my weakness. This is so not the time to be noticing Kellan’s undeniable hotness. I have got to get a handle on my weakness for

sexy men.

“Healer Vanessa,” he greets with a polite nod before those piercing gray eyes land on me. “Lisa, we need to head back to your apartment. Lucas brought a dog

home.”

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109 Lisa Ava’s Absence (b))

Is he serious right now? Rage flares hot in my veins. “Are you kidding me? You want me to go take care of some random dog while my best friend is lying unconscious in a hospital bed?”

Kellan blinks, taken aback. “It’s Ava’s dog. Lucas thought-”

“Oh, I’m sure Lucas thought a lot of things. And you just go along with it, don’t you? Never mind what I might want.” The words pour out of me in a furious torrent, all the fear and frustration bubbling over. “You’re always making these executive decisions without even asking. Newsflash, Kellan–the world doesn’t revolve around you and your precious Alpha!”

Vanessa’s eyes widen as she watches my tirade. Kellan just stares, his mouth slightly agape. I’m breathing hard, hands clenched into fists.

“I… I didn’t mean…” Kellan clears his throat, shifting on his feet. “Lisa, I’m just trying to look out for Ava’s best interests here.”

“And you think hers align with yours?” I scoff. “Please. You don’t know the first thing about what Ava needs right now.”

27

Ava’s

grits out, annoyance starting to seep into his

my shoulders, meeting his glare head–on. “She needs support. Compassion. Not to be treated like some pawn in your pack’s power

“That’s not-”

this fated mate bond bullshit. Never mind Ava’s autonomy or how it might make

jaw clenches. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. The bond is

to happen. I’m staying right here until Ava wakes up. If you’re so concerned about the

run,” Kellan says through gritted teeth. “In case you’ve forgotten, we’re in the middle of a

river.” I roll my eyes. “I’m sure

fine without ma”

Gina

Ava’s Absence

glare at each other, the tension crackling between us.

a compromise,” she suggests, her voice soothing. “Kellan, why don’t you see to the dog for now? And Lisa can stay here with Ava. I’ll let you

condition.”

Ava’s dog,” I–cut in sharply, “Maybe bring her here instead of leaving her at the apartment. Ava’s missed her. It would

flare, but he gives a curt nod. “Fine. Keep

sweet–tempered

scathing look in my direction, Kellan turns on his heel and stalks out, slamming the door behind him. I slump back in my chair, suddenly

exhausted.

Vanessa asks, a hint of amusement

tone.

“A little, yeah. God,

my akin

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Ava’s Absence

that.” Her eyes twinkle. “Though I suspect there might be more to it than simple

my eyes at her. “What’s that

at her

I’d have to be blind not to notice. But I want nothing to do with his egotistical ass.

course it is, dear.” Vanessa pats my hand yet again, but this time, it feels minorly condescending instead

come off as a bratty teen, instead of a grown ass woman who’s capable

into Ava’s room. Lucas is still there, looming over her bed like some brooding shadow of a man. His eyes never leave her face. The intensity

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