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 ready for discharge.”

exits the room, leaving

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

steps forward, her hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll go make sure everything’s set at the apartment. You

okay?”

grateful for her support. “Thanks, Lise. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

mischief. “Probably be bored out of your mind. I’ll see you

gone, leaving me alone with

his weight from foot to foot. looking

Ava Standing Up to

stark contrast to the

hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a

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

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

bond is trying to bring us together. It hates

into his arms.

that, Lucas. I do. But I need time. Space. I need to figure out who I am, without

his broad frame seeming to fill the small hospital room. I watch as his golden eyes darken, pupils dilating with a primal hunger that sends a shiver

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Ava: Standing Up to the Alpha

despite my reservations.

kiss isn’t

deep voice a caress against

you need time, but I can’t deny what

for you. I’ll do my best, but I need you to

a gentleness that belies his strength. It’s a touch

warns in my mind, her presence a grounding force amidst the

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. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest

breathe, my voice

now.