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.

a curt nod, Kellan exits the room, leaving

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

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

okay?”

for her support. “Thanks, Lise. I don’t know what I’d

eyes sparkling with mischief. “Probably be

gone, leaving me alone with Lucas.

from foot

Standing Up to the Alpha

the confident, commanding

He runs a hand through his dark hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a

swallow past the lump in my throat, my emotions a tangled mess. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms,

burned before, holds back, even

hates distance, and every particle of

into his arms.

I need time. Space. I need

a primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine. The air between us crackles with that familiar tension, a magnetic pull that draws

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Ava: Standing Up to the

despite my reservations.

stolen kiss

he murmurs, his deep voice a caress against my

know you need time, but I can’t deny

I’ll do my best, but I need you to

his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek with a gentleness that belies his strength. It’s a touch I’ve craved, one

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

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

my voice barely above

Not now. Not like this.”