Tangled

124 Ava: Surprise Invitation

Easier said than done. But I try to clear my head, to let my body take over. Slipping to the side, I evade a vicious right hook. There–an opening. It’s classic and obvious and it might be a trap, but I dart forward, inside his reach, and drive my elbow into his solar plexus.

He grunts, doubling over. Not letting up, I grab his arm and pivot, using his own momentum to flip him over my hip. He hits the mat hard, the breath knocked out

of him.

For a second, I just stand there, stunned. Holy shit, did I actually just do that? A slow grin spreads across my face.

“Good!” Amara calls out. “That’s enough for now.”

We break apart, both of us panting and sweaty. I glance over at my opponent, expecting to see grudging respect or even surprise. Instead, fury contorts his face, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage.

A chill runs through me. Did I just make an enemy?

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124 Ava: Surprise Invitation

Anxiety claws at my throat; I know what it means to have a pack who detests me. Even with the guards Lucas has me under, I have no faith that I’m safe if I’m hated by everyone in Westwood.

I know what happens in the shadows.

Before I can smooth things over, the shifter–I think his name might be Ben or something–bows, his

expression smoothing into polite neutrality. “Thank you for the match,” he says stiffly. Then he turns on his heel and stalks away, leaving me staring after him in confusion.

Did I imagine that look? I replay the moment in my head, trying to pinpoint what I saw. But with each passing second, I grow less certain. Maybe it was just the heat of the fight, the sting of being bested. Surely he doesn’t actually hate me for throwing him once… right?

You did well, Selene says, her voice warm with approval. Don’t let one surly pup shake your confidence.

Shaking off my worries, I take a deep breath, trying to ignore the throbbing in my jaw. It reaches deep into

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my car. My ribs ache every time I breathe, but I fill my lungs anyway, before consciously relaxing my body, one muscle group at a time.

Selene’s right. I can’t control how others react to me.

train. If they want to hate me, there’s

training. Improving. I’m going to get bruised, but eventually, I’ll be able to

I get.

towel off and head for the showers, I can’t quite shake the unease prickling down my neck, making

“I

arm collides with my tender ribs as she loops our limbs together in a familiar hug. Pain lances through my side, stealing

I grit my teeth, waiting for

Ava: Surprise

she realizes her mistake. She quickly withdraws her

good,” I manage, straightening up with effort. The bruises throb in protest,

grin returns, undimmed. “I’m sore as hell, but it’s getting better. I think they went a little easier on me today–only a couple new bruises to add to

half–joking. My whole

her, the knot in my chest loosening a bit. It’s a relief to see

toes, eyes sparkling with sudden excitement. “Guess what? We got invited to a party!”

misheard. “A party? Us?” Skepticism colors my tone. After the chilly reception from

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Surprise

a snowy

links her arm through mine, undeterred, but this time careful not to smack against my injuries. “Chloe invited us. She

red when I sweat; she does that whole glistening thing, where she just

after a workout.

kind of setup? My experience with my birth pack has made me wary of any overtures of friendship.

open and guileless. She’s been through a lot because

worst thing. A chance to feel normal for a night, to

Kellan to let us

course.

I ask, throwing concern to the abyss. We have Kellan and multiple

13. 13.

5/8

Surprise Invitation.

could both use a break from all this craziness, don’t you think? Maybe get to meet some people,

moment to breathe between sessions. As much as

be stronger, I’m not sure how many more bruises I can take before

tone encouraging. You’ve earned a

trust Selene to have my back, even if I can’t fully trust the Westwood wolves.

yet.

I agree, mustering a smile for Lisa. “Let’s do it.

squeal, squeezing my arm. “Yes! This is going to be amazing,

me as we head for the showers, chattering about what we might

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