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

Kellan exits the room, leaving

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

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

okay?”

“Thanks, Lise. I

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

leaving

his weight from foot to foot. looking

Up to

to the confident, commanding alpha I’ve

1…” He runs a hand through his dark hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. “I know I’ve made

a tangled mess. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let him shield me from the world.

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

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

into his arms.

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

closer, 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 down my spine.

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Up to the Alpha

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss isn’t enough.

murmurs, his deep voice a caress against my

you need time, but I can’t deny

do my best, but I

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

force amidst the

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

breathe, my voice barely above a whisper.

Not now. Not like this.”