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

16:33

1/6

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.”

surprise, but he quickly schools his features back into a neutral expression. “Understood. I’ll get everything ready and

Kellan exits the room,

and Lisa. The tension in the air is palpable, but there’s also a sense of relief. I’ve won this battle, small

go make sure everything’s

okay?”

Lise. I don’t know what

mischief. “Probably be bored out of

a wink, she’s gone, leaving me

his weight from foot

Up to the Alpha

uncertain. It’s a stark contrast to the confident,

his dark hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. “I know I’ve made mistakes. I’m trying to do better.

a tangled mess. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let

part, the part that’s been burned before, holds back, even as a familiar

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

into his arms.

I do. But I need time. Space. I need to figure out who

eyes darken, pupils dilating with a primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine. The air between us crackles with that familiar

15:33

3/6

Up to the Alpha

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss isn’t

murmurs, his deep voice a

but I can’t deny what

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

breath catches in my throat 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

presence a grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what you

know she’s right, but it’s hard to think clearly when 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.

breathe, my voice barely above

can’t. Not now. Not