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 the

to keep up with the demand. For all I know, it probably reduces wrinkles, too. Shifters age well, though, so who knows. Maybe they don’t

the shower, with Selene’s

water pounds against my back, a blistering reminder of just how tense I’ve been. I want to

as Lucas, but just high enough in the pecking

lately, too busy running the Westwood pack while Lucas plays vigilant mate at the hospital.

Ava’s Absence (IV)

keep things running smoothly. But fuck if I don’t feel like I’m drowning in this new world without

two weeks, not since he left for the Blackwood territory to keep things running there. I can’t even imagine

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

I miss Ava.

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

unresponsive to the world around her. And the rumors are already flying.

them in

Lisa: Ava’s Absence (IV)

hospital. It’s a political

Westwood, but Jericho says there’s a lot of movement in the shadows. He’s been training me harder than ever, teaching me how to defend myself against

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

thumping against the floor. She’s been my constant companion these past few weeks, a comforting presence in

sleep. The guards nod at me as I pass, their eyes scanning the hallway for any

do the pick ups and drop offs, giving

as I wish, but I’m always followed by

Always.

Ava’s bedside, his hand clasped tightly around hers. He looks up

though I already know

shakes his head. “Nothing yet. But

come back

side of the bed, reaching out to brush a strand of hair

moment now she’ll wake up and start

hasn’t

bed, curling up at Ava’s feet. She’s been doing

a moment. I’m so tired, so fucking tired of all of this.