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.”

schools his features back into a neutral expression. “Understood. I’ll get everything ready and let the nurses know she’s

a curt nod, Kellan exits the

but there’s also a sense of relief. I’ve won this battle, small as it may be.

giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll go make sure everything’s set at the apartment. You focus on getting

okay?”

her support. “Thanks, Lise. I don’t know

mischief. “Probably be bored out of your mind.

leaving

from foot to foot. looking

Ava Standing Up to the Alpha

It’s a stark contrast to the confident,

heart skip a beat. “I know I’ve made mistakes. I’m trying to do better. To be better. For

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

part that’s been burned before, holds back, even as a familiar tingle slides over

fated bond is trying to bring us together. It hates distance, and every particle of my body wants to rush

into his arms.

do. But I need time. Space. I need to figure out who I am, without anyone else’s influence.”

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, a magnetic

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Up to

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss isn’t

his deep voice a caress against my

“I know you need time, but I

you. What my wolf feels for you. I’ll do my best, but I need you to understand me, too.”

as he reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek with a gentleness that belies his strength. It’s a touch I’ve craved, one that sets my nerves alight with

my mind, her presence a grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what you just told him. You need

enveloping me like a warm embrace. My body reacts instinctively, leaning into his touch as

voice

can’t. Not now. Not