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 the

***

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

athletic. That doesn’t mean I’ve magically gained

would be nice, though.

13.47

Ava: Getting

of training, Kellan’s constant presence, and

vociferously. It

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

and I join a training group of young shifters

refusal

back

voice earning her a dark glower from

but I can’t?”

13.42

Getting

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 glower.

of people. I would

glower lightens to a grimace that passes for a smile in the old man. “I’ll speak with the alpha,

with triumph to my side, grabbing my arm in a hug. “It’s settled, then. Even

along,” he grunts. “They’re in the

sweaty gymnasium with a bunch of junior shifters

follow with excitement. It’s

to the Westwood

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

417

Ava: Getting Stronger

into

must be odd, as a born–human, to

of

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

the same motion. I look at Jericho in confusion, but he doesn’t acknowledge it, just staring

The young woman’s voice is soft but clear. “We are honored by your presence.”

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