Tangled

113 Ava: A New Change

I want to believe Lucas. I want to believe that

everything will be okay, that I’ll come out of this stronger than before. But there’s a part of me that’s terrified of what’s happening to me, of the changes. that I can feel taking place inside my body.

Change is inevitable, Selene says, her voice gentle. But it doesn’t have to be something to fear.

I know she’s right, but it’s hard to let go of the apprehension that’s taken root in my gut.

I have a feeling Selene knows why I’ve been unconscious for so long, but I can’t talk to her with

Lucas here.

Lisa squeezes my hand, drawing my attention back to her. “We’re here for you, Ave. Whatever you need.”

I manage a small smile, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Lise. I don’t know what I would do without

you.”

“Probably starve,” she jokes, trying to lighten the mood. “Speaking of which, I’m going to go track down

110- A New Change

some of that liquid diet for you. Be right back.”

She slips out of the room, leaving me alone with Lucas and Vanessa. Selene hops down from the bed, stretching languidly before padding over to the window. She seems content to give us some privacy, though I know she’s still listening to every word.

Vanessa steps closer, her expression softening as she takes in the way Lucas is holding me. “Your body has been through a tremendous ordeal, Ava. It’s going to take time to recover, both physically and emotionally. But you’re strong. You’ll get through this.”

She smiles, reaching out to pat my leg through the blanket. “I’ll be back to check on you later. You’ll probably be asleep soon. I’ll be here in the morning, and we can talk more then.”

***

It takes three days until I’m strong enough to be discharged home.

It seems like forever, but Dr. Beaumont assures me- and Lucas–that it’s a miracle I’m going home so early. Having multiple giant meals of protein (rare steak being the food of choice) seems to have kick–started

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A New Change

liquid diet for you. Be

leaving me alone with Lucas. and Vanessa. Selene hops down from the bed, stretching languidly before padding over

softening as she takes in the way Lucas is holding me. “Your body has been through a tremendous ordeal,

back to check on you later. You’ll probably be asleep soon. I’ll be here in the morning, and we can

***

I’m strong enough to

miracle I’m going home so early. Having multiple giant meals of protein (rare steak being the food of choice) seems to

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A

magical shifter healing ability lies

better–I feel stronger and more fit

I ever went unconscious.

course, won’t stop worrying. The full moon isn’t for another month, and Dr. Beaumont

seem convinced I will shift at that time.

ask her if that’s true.

won’t leave so I can talk to

excited to be discharged, except…

staying

let me go back to Lisa’s apartment.

not. She’s coming back with me.” Lisa stands toe–to–toe with Lucas and his alpha presence. Kellan poked his head into the room a few minutes earlier to ask Lisa if she could help pack my things and bring them to Lucas‘ house, and things

with

a hand through his hair,

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A New

an agitated frown in my direction. “I’ll feel better if you’re at the alpha lodge. You’ll be closer to the hospital, and Vanessa has access

wave her down. “Are you trying to tell me you set my best friend in

course not-”

get to me at her apartment just fine.

“Still-”

makes you feel better, it doesn’t make me feel better.” Standing up for myself feels good. Better than I thought

is about me.”

“As my mate-”

are not my alpha. And even if you think I’m your mate, that connection has not been

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Ava: A

respect my wishes.”

from Selene, coaching me as she pretends to sleep in the

window.

smug, and Lucas

Hurt.