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.”

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

Kellan exits

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

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

okay?”

her support. “Thanks, Lise. I

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

gone, leaving me alone with

his weight from foot to foot. looking

Standing Up

the confident, commanding alpha I’ve come to know.

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

my throat, my emotions a tangled mess. Part of me wants to throw

that’s been burned before, holds back, even

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

into his arms.

that, Lucas. I do. But I need time. Space. I need

primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine. The air

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Ava: Standing Up to the Alpha

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss isn’t enough.

his deep voice a caress

know you need time, but I can’t deny what

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

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 desire.

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

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

I breathe, my voice

can’t. Not now. Not like