Tangled

117 Ava: Her New Normal

Living in Westwood becomes routine again quickly.

Training with Jericho starts again only two days after my return, and the grizzled old shifter doesn’t say a word about my long absence.

Lucas and I text every night, but I refuse to call him. The sound of his voice is going to make me regret things.

And Selene settles into our daily life as though she

were never gone.

The only downside?

Kellan.

I have yet to speak to Selene or Lisa about anything important, because the beta is always around. He sleeps on the couch every night, no matter how many protests Lisa and I hurl his way.

Even Lucas is on board with it. I thought utilizing his possessiveness would go my way; it didn’t.

He just said Kellan would be the one wolf he could trust to keep me safe.

15:35 C

1/7

117 Ava: Her New Normal

Lisa’s worse off than I am; she spends a good chunk of her day glowering at the friendly beta.

I watch Kellan as he washes the dishes, his broad

shoulders filling out his t–shirt in a way that would be appealing if I wasn’t so annoyed by his constant

presence. Lisa mutters beside me, “It isn’t fair that my apartment’s been taken over.”

I sigh, the sound heavy with frustration. Selene huffs little woof of agreement from her spot on the floor.

“You know I can hear you two, right?” Kellan says without turning around, his voice tinged with

amusement.

her eyes. “Good. Maybe you’ll take the

and leave.”

chuckles, the sound deep and warm. He turns, leaning back against the counter as he dries

concern for my safety. I do. But having Kellan here 24/7

15:35 –

Ava: Her New Normal

need a babysitter,” I say, crossing my arms.

over my chest.

everything that’s

embarrassment. I know he’s right. I’ve been kidnapped, attacked, and

care of myself,” I mutter, knowing it sounds petulant even as

“I know you can, Ava. But let us help, okay? It’s

on my tongue these days. The

pack…

I’m not really sure where I stand with them.

him.

I have been texting, but it’s superficial stuff.

3/7

Her

than that, and he knows

as free as I’d like, because despite having won the

here.

for a few hours? Let us have our space? I can’t breathe without one of you watching me, and I’m sick

of it.”

something I can get

used to it.

baleful gaze in Kellan’s

direction.

is loud and long, dripping with all the frustration that’s been

certainly part of it. It’s everything. The bond with Lucas, the fact that

15

A/T

Ava Her New Normal

of

some space. Some time to yourselves.” He pauses, his brow furrowing as he seems to wage some internal battle. Finally, he nods, as if coming to a decision. “I can give you tomorrow afternoon. But you have

brightens instantly, her dark eyes sparkling

“Really. But I mean it about staying put. No exceptions. Especially as Alpha Westwood is gone again.” He’s back in

tail thumping against the floor in a steady rhythm. I can feel her excitement thrumming through our bond, a warm pulse of

our palms connecting with a satisfying smack. We did it, I