Tangled

122 Ava: Getting Stronger

“Don’t push yourself too hard.” o

Lucas‘ voice is deeper through the phone, giving our hushed conversation in my bedroom a more sordid feeling than would be expected, given the fact that we haven’t talked about anything remotely intimate.

That fated–mate tingle settles into my nether regions as he speaks. Lisa’s asleep, and Kellan is, too, taking over the couch in the living room like he does every night.

“I’m not.” Trying not to wake the others, I speak in a soft murmur.

“I miss you.” He sounds frustrated. Tired.

Kellan said he’s been trying to track down my family. I hope he finds them soon; I just want everything to be over. Having guards everywhere I go is awful.

I have yet to meet anyone new. No friends. Not even acquaintances. I don’t even get to buy things at the store, because someone is always sent to buy what I ask for.

13:41

122 Ava: Getting Stronger

It’s suffocating.

“Have you made any progress?”

“Mmm.” His noncommital sound gives little hope. “I will find them, Ava. You will be safe.”

“I know.”

“Get some sleep. It’s late.”

“I will.” A yawn catches me by surprise, my jaw cracking with the force of it.

“Good night, Ava.”

Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the

***

My muscles are toned, what little excess flab I had around my belly is gone, and I breeze through most of Jericho’s workouts with little effort. The self–defense training takes

I’ve magically gained an ability to fight.

be nice,

13.47

Ava: Getting Stronger

haze of training, Kellan’s constant presence, and Lucas

within me disagrees vociferously. It yearns

It’s an improvement. I can understand, though. She, too, is frustrated by this feeling of living in a gilded cage.

group of young shifters in the pack, I jump at the

Kellan’s refusal is immediate.

turning back to

earning her a

but I can’t?” He

13.42

Getting Stronger

is pointless; it just goes round

would be helpful to train with a variety of people. I would even venture to say that it’s ultimately for my own safety, right?”

knows where I’m going immediately; that glower lightens to a grimace that passes for a

a hug.

along,” he grunts. “They’re in the training gym.”

gymnasium with a bunch of junior shifters doesn’t sound like a fun time, but Lisa

I follow with excitement. It’s our first real

to the Westwood Pack.

days. It’s filled with at least twenty young shifters, almost all men, all sparring on the mats. Lisa clings to

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Ava: Getting Stronger

digging into my skin.

odd, as a born–human, to be surrounded

of

respectful bow in Jericho’s direction, one hand over her heart. All the others turn and bow after she does,

in confusion, but he doesn’t acknowledge it, just

woman’s voice is soft but clear. “We are honored by your

as I glance at Jericho again. It’s a title I’ve never heard before. He doesn’t correct the