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.”

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

***

what little excess flab I had around my belly is gone, and I breeze through most

I’ve magically gained an ability

be nice, though.

13.47

Ava: Getting

constant presence,

undefined, but the fated bond within me disagrees vociferously. It yearns for him in a way that hurts almost

Lucas, though she’s avoided open hostility. It’s an improvement. I can understand, though. She, too, is frustrated by

Lisa and I join a training group of young

Kellan’s refusal is immediate.

back to me.

her voice earning her a dark

speak for you, but I can’t?” He protests

13.42

Ava: Getting Stronger

wants to say, and you’re not.” Getting between them is pointless; it just goes round and round. Jericho watches me with expectation in his

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

a grimace that passes for a smile in

to my side, grabbing my arm in a hug. “It’s settled, then. Even your alpha can’t argue

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

inside a sweaty gymnasium with a bunch of junior shifters doesn’t

I follow with excitement. It’s our

the

far walk, and I recognize it as the place we train during rainy days. It’s filled with at least twenty

417

Ava: Getting

into

must be odd, as a born–human, to be surrounded by

bunch of

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

motion. I look at Jericho in confusion, but he doesn’t acknowledge it, just staring in his signature brooding way across

young woman’s voice is soft but

My brows furrow as I glance at Jericho again. It’s a title I’ve never heard before. He doesn’t correct the girl, merely grunts. “At