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

sell it in the human

it probably reduces wrinkles, too. Shifters age well, though, so who knows. Maybe they don’t need wrinkle cream. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early

Selene’s reproachful

a blistering reminder of just how tense I’ve been. I want to

as Lucas, but just high enough in the pecking order

been around much lately, too busy running the Westwood pack while Lucas plays vigilant mate at the hospital. I get it, I do. Lucas

Ava’s Absence (IV)

and Kellan has every responsibility to keep things running smoothly. But fuck if I don’t feel like I’m drowning in this new world without any sort

mate, some high–up shifter in the 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,

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

I miss Ava.

finally here. We should be connected, a

lying in a hospital bed, unresponsive to the world around her. And the rumors

the halls, see them in the

Ava’s

a Westwood hospital. It’s a political nightmare,

shadows. He’s been training me harder than ever, teaching me how to defend myself against any threat.

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

against the floor. She’s been my

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. They ignore the guard following me in silence. I pretend not to notice him, too.

easier that way. Kellan might be too busy to do the pick ups

around as I wish, but I’m

Always.

usual spot by Ava’s bedside, his hand clasped tightly around hers. He looks up as I enter, his eyes

though I already know

head. “Nothing yet.

back

speak. I take my usual seat on the other side of the bed, reaching out to brush a

still. Like she’s just sleeping, and any moment now she’ll wake up and start cracking

She hasn’t for

bed, curling up at Ava’s feet. She’s been doing that more and more lately, like she’s trying to protect her.

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