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.

hate me, there’s little I can

just have to keep training. Improving. I’m going to get bruised, but eventually, I’ll be able to give back as

as I

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

nowhere, which is–as far as I’m concerned–a specialty of hers. “I threw a girl called Anneliese today. She told

as she loops our limbs together in a familiar hug. Pain

my teeth, waiting

Ava: Surprise Invitation

She quickly withdraws her arm from mine, looking sheepish. “You

good,” I manage, straightening up with effort. The bruises throb in protest, but I ignore them. “How about you? Hanging

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

whole body feels like one giant

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

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

certain I’ve misheard. “A party? Us?” Skepticism colors my tone. After the chilly reception from the Westwood wolves, a party invite seems about

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Surprise

a snowy Independence

through mine, undeterred, but this time careful not to smack against my injuries. “Chloe invited

and a perfect nose. I turn red when I sweat; she does that whole glistening thing, where she just

after a workout.

a genuine olive branch, or some kind of setup? My experience with my birth pack has made me wary of any overtures

Lisa looks so hopeful, her face open and guileless. She’s been through

chance to feel normal for a night, to forget

Kellan to let

course.

it?” I ask, throwing concern to the abyss. We have Kellan and

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Surprise

get to meet some people, make new friends

We’ve been training non–stop, barely a moment to breathe between

how many more bruises I

earned a night of fun. I’ll keep watch, as

reassurance settles it. I trust Selene to have my back, even if I can’t fully

yet.

for Lisa. “Let’s do it. Party

out a delighted squeal, squeezing my arm. “Yes! This is going

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

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