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.”

eyebrows lift in surprise, but he quickly schools his features back into a neutral expression. “Understood. I’ll get everything ready and let the nurses know she’s ready

curt nod, Kellan exits the room, leaving me

is palpable, but there’s also

go make sure everything’s set at the apartment. You focus on getting out of here,

okay?”

Lise. I don’t

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

gone, leaving me alone with Lucas.

shifts his weight from foot to foot.

Ava Standing Up to

contrast to the

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. To be better. For you.”

the 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

to bring us together. It hates distance, and every particle

into his arms.

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

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 pull that draws

15:33

3/6

Up to the

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss isn’t enough.

his deep voice a caress

but I can’t deny what I

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

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 nerves alight

the swirl of emotions. Remember what you just told him. You need

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.

I breathe, my voice barely

Not now.