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.

want to hate

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

as I get.

the unease prickling

hers. “I threw a girl called Anneliese today. She told me I’m not bad,

she loops our limbs together in a familiar hug. Pain lances through my side, stealing my breath for a

teeth, waiting for the ache

Ava: Surprise

Lisa’s eyes widen as she realizes her mistake. She quickly withdraws her arm from mine, looking

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

returns, undimmed. “I’m sore as hell, but it’s getting better. I think they went a little easier on

only half–joking. My whole body feels like one

I find myself smiling back at her, the knot in my chest loosening a bit. It’s a relief to see her spirits lifting

her toes, eyes sparkling with sudden excitement. “Guess what? We

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

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Ava: Surprise

likely as a snowy Independence

injuries. “Chloe invited us. She said it’s like a monthly thing, a chance for the younger wolves

red when I sweat; she does that whole glistening

after a workout.

doubt niggling at me. Is this a genuine olive branch, or some kind of setup?

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

for a night, to forget

Kellan to let us

course.

concern to the abyss. We have

13. 13.

5/8

Ava: Surprise

sensing my indecision. “Come on, Ava. It’ll be fun! We could both use a break from all this craziness, don’t you think? Maybe get to meet some people, make new friends here? We’ve been in limbo from the beginning. I think it’s time for that to change. It’ll be good for both of

moment to breathe

sure how many more bruises I can take before I

Selene urges in my mind, her tone encouraging. You’ve earned

I trust Selene to have my back, even

yet.

Lisa. “Let’s do it. Party

“Yes! This is going to be amazing, Ava. Just you wait.”

chattering about what we might wear and what to expect. For a moment, the weight of my

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6/0

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