Tangled

111 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (IV)

LISA

Three fucking weeks.

No matter how many times I count, it’s been three fucking weeks.

The calendar on my wall mocks me, today’s date staring me in the face from any particular point of my

kitchen.

Selene whines when I nearly step on her paw for the third time this morning. “Sorry, girl. Give me a second, and we’ll go see her.”

I’m drenched in sweat. Jericho hasn’t blinked a single eyelash over Ava being in the hospital, and we’ve all settled into a new kind of normal.

It’s not normal at all, but it’s life now. At least until Ava

wakes up again.

I’m stronger. Fastér, though nothing compared to these shifters who surround me. I’m learning some basic self–defense, and Selene has helped with the hands–on training to evade and defend against wolf

15:28

117

111 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (IV)

attacks.

I have bruises and wounds everywhere, and a few of them have even gotten infected, but Healer Vanessa is a godsend who always has some magical cream on her somewhere. Antibacterial, antifungal, prevents scarring, and smells divine. I have no idea why they

it in

demand. For all I know, it probably reduces wrinkles, too. Shifters age well, though, so who

with Selene’s reproachful blue eyes watching me.

my back, a blistering reminder of just how tense I’ve been. I want to scream. I want to cry. I want

as scary as Lucas, but just high

vigilant mate at

Lisa: Ava’s Absence

But fuck if I don’t feel like I’m drowning in this

pack called Vester, in two weeks, not since he left for the Blackwood territory to keep things running there. I can’t even imagine how she’s holding up, but she never lets it show. Always the consummate professional, that

a towel that feels too soft against my skin. Everything in this place

I miss Ava.

me. Selene’s finally here. We should be connected, a trio whose first priority is always what fun is around the corner.

bed, unresponsive to the world around her. And the rumors are

see them in the sidelong glances thrown my way.

Lisa: Ava’s Absence (IV)

a Westwood hospital. It’s a political nightmare, even I can see that.

the shadows. He’s

like ducks to their mamas,” he told me yesterday, his scarred face grim. “And you’re

and a tank top. Selene is waiting by the door, her tail thumping against the floor. She’s been my constant companion these past few weeks, a

way down to the hospital, the route so familiar now I could walk it in my sleep. The guards nod at me as I pass, their eyes scanning the hallway for any potential threats.

busy to do the pick ups and drop

as I wish, but

Always.

his usual spot by Ava’s bedside, his hand clasped tightly around hers.

though I already know the answer.

his head. “Nothing yet. But she’s

come back to

my usual seat on the other side of the bed, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Ava’s face.

so still. Like she’s just sleeping, and any moment now she’ll

She hasn’t for three

on the bed, curling up at Ava’s feet. She’s been doing that more and more

in my chair, closing my eyes for a moment. I’m so tired, so fucking tired of all of