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.”

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***

long hospital stay, my body has suffered no ill effects. 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

I’ve magically gained an ability to fight.

be nice,

13.47

Ava: Getting

presence, and Lucas

bond within me disagrees vociferously. It yearns for him

It’s an improvement. I can understand, though. She, too, is frustrated by this feeling

Jericho suggests that Lisa and I join a training group of young shifters in

Kellan’s refusal

you,” Jericho snaps, turning back to me. “Are

the vehemence in her voice earning her a dark glower from the pack

you, but I can’t?” He

13.42

Getting Stronger

say, and you’re not.” Getting between them is pointless; it just goes round and round. Jericho watches me

of people. I would even venture to say that it’s ultimately for my own safety,

that passes for a smile in the old man. “I’ll

arm in a hug. “It’s settled, then. Even your alpha can’t argue with Jericho.”

grunts. “They’re in the training gym.”

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

I follow with excitement. It’s

the Westwood

a far walk, and I recognize it as the place we train during rainy days. It’s filled with at least twenty young shifters, almost all men, all sparring on

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Ava: Getting Stronger

into my

odd, as a born–human,

bunch of

female shifters walks up to us with a respectful bow in Jericho’s direction, one hand over her heart. All the others turn and

at Jericho in confusion, but he doesn’t acknowledge it,

Mentor.” The young woman’s voice is soft but clear. “We are

It’s a title I’ve never heard before.