Tangled

114 Ava: Standing Up to the Alpha

Lucas continues to pace, and Lisa folds her arms as she watches him, her chin tilted up in a defiant gesture

I know well.

She won’t back down, even from an alpha. If there’s such a thing as an alpha human, Lisa would probably be one. It doesn’t surprise me that her parents allowed her to come here; she gets what she wants, one way or

another.

Lucas stops his agitated steps, the soles of his boots squeaking against the linoleum floor. There’s a long, heavy sigh that seems to deflate his broad shoulders. When his golden eyes meet mine, they’re filled with a mix of resignation and apology.

“You’re right, Ava,” he says, his deep voice softening. “I’m sorry for trying to control you. It’s not my place.”

Selene snorts in my mind, her presence a comforting weight. He’s only sorry because you spoke up.

I mentally shush her, not wanting to ruin this moment of understanding with Lucas. It’s a small victory, but an important one. He needs to see me as an equal, not

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114 Ava: Standing Up to the Alpha

someone to be ordered around as he pleases.

Lucas turns to Kellan, who’s been standing silently by the door, his face an unreadable mask. “Change of

plans. Ava’s going back to Lisa’s apartment.”

a neutral expression. “Understood. I’ll get everything ready and let the nurses know

nod, Kellan exits

the air is palpable, but there’s also a sense of relief. I’ve

squeeze. “I’ll go make sure everything’s set at the apartment. You focus on getting out

okay?”

nod, grateful for her support. “Thanks, Lise. I don’t know what

eyes sparkling with mischief. “Probably be bored out of your mind. I’ll see

leaving me alone with Lucas.

weight from foot to foot.

Up to

the confident, commanding alpha I’ve come

hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. “I know I’ve made

lump in my throat, my emotions a tangled mess. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let him shield

back, even as a familiar

is trying to bring us together. It hates distance, and every particle of my

into his arms.

appreciate that, Lucas. I do. But I need time. Space. I need to figure

to fill the small hospital room. I watch as his golden eyes darken, pupils dilating with a primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine. The air between us crackles with that familiar tension,

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Standing Up to the

despite my reservations.

kiss

deep voice a caress against

you need time, but I can’t

What my wolf feels for you. I’ll do my best, but I

in my throat as he reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek with a

Selene warns in my mind, her presence a grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what

Lucas is so close, his scent of pine and musk enveloping me like a warm embrace. My body reacts instinctively, leaning into his touch as a soft sigh escapes my lips. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ

I breathe, my voice barely

now. Not like