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

15.31

217

A New Change

that liquid diet for you. Be

languidly before padding

body has been through a tremendous ordeal, Ava. It’s going to take time to

leg through the blanket. “I’ll be back to check on you later. You’ll probably be asleep

***

days until I’m strong enough to be discharged

Beaumont assures me- and Lucas–that it’s a miracle I’m going home so early. Having multiple giant

15:32

217

Ava: A

shifter healing ability lies in my body.

only better–I feel stronger and more fit than I

I ever went

won’t stop worrying. The full moon isn’t for another month,

will

won’t answer when I ask

leave so I can talk

excited to

be staying at

me go back

few minutes

with Lisa.”

you’re not.” Lucas runs a

30

Ava A New

my direction. “I’ll feel better if you’re at the alpha lodge. You’ll be

ready to blow, but I wave her down. “Are you trying to tell me you set my best friend in an

course not-”

her apartment just fine. They

“Still-”

better, it doesn’t make me feel better.” Standing up for myself feels good. Better than I thought it would. Even facing Lucas‘ clear irritation with the situation. “This isn’t about

is about me.”

“As my mate-”

and you are not my alpha. And even if

15:32

A

my wishes.”

from Selene, coaching me as she pretends to

window.

smug, and Lucas

Hurt.