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

Lisa Ava’s Absence (II)

annoyance

needs support. Compassion. Not to be treated like some pawn in your

“That’s not-”

fated mate bond bullshit. Never mind Ava’s autonomy or how it might make her feel to have

what you’re talking

chest. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m staying right here until Ava wakes up. If you’re so concerned

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

my eyes. “I’m sure you’ll manage

without ma”

Gina

Ava’s

glare at each other, the tension crackling between us. Vanessa clears

suggests, her voice soothing. “Kellan, why don’t you see to the dog for now? And Lisa can stay here with

condition.”

her at the apartment. Ava’s missed her. It would be good for them

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

the sweet–tempered

turns on his heel and stalks out, slamming

exhausted.

Vanessa asks, a hint of amusement in her

tone.

a laugh. “A little, yeah. God, he just

my akin aomatimor”

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4417

Ava’s

I suspect there might be more to it than simple

eyes at her. “What’s

her lips. “Nothing, dear. Just

not to notice. But I want nothing to do with his egotistical ass. He never considers other people when he does things. It’s a major turn–off.”

hand yet again, but this time, it

as a bratty teen,

Lucas is still there, looming over her bed like some brooding shadow of a man. His eyes never leave her face. The intensity of his gaze

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