Tangled

138 Ava: A Shocking Finale (II)

138 Ava: A Shocking Finale (II)

“Such a naughty kitten,” the vampire mutters, scowling in a way that erases the beauty of his face.

The vampire’s grip tightens, crushing my throat as I thrash against him. My lungs scream for air. I claw at his hands, nails scraping uselessly against unyielding flesh. Panic floods my mind, blotting out rational thought.

Your training, Ava! Remember your training! Selene’s voice slices through my rising hysteria.

Right. Training. Jericho’s lessons flash through my oxygen–starved brain. I stop flailing and focus, letting my body go limp, conserving strength. The vampire smirks, misreading it as submission. His cold breath washes over my face as he leans in, nostrils flaring. He’s…sniffing me?

Revulsion churns my stomach as his nose skims along my jaw, down to the crook of my neck. He lingers there, inhaling deeply, a pleased rumble vibrating his

chest.

The scar, Ava! Don’t let him near it! Selene’s warning

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138 Ava. A Shocking Finale (II)

ricochets through my head.

can’t bite you there!

Fragmented memories resurface–Selene cautioning me about my scar during my heat, insisting I keep Clayton away from it. I hadn’t understood then. I’m not sure I do now. But her urgency propels me into action.

Gritting my teeth, I shove at the vampire’s face, fingernails gouging. He snarls, jerking back slightly but not releasing me. The pressure on my windpipe eases a fraction and I suck in a desperate breath, spots dancing across my vision.

That scar is where your power leaks out. It’s like a drug to creatures who can sense it. It isn’t quite an aphrodisiac, but it can be, in the right circumstances, Selene explains rapidly.

great, I grouse in

dislodge the vampire’s chokehold. Whose brilliant idea was it to put a

growls in frustration. Just protect it, Ava! Don’t let him break the skin there, no

his grip loosening as he

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neck again, lips brushing my

stngely giddy, before I

enticing scent,” he murmurs against my skin, tongue flicking out to taste. Bile rises in my throat. “What is that delectable

up, escaping in a strangled laugh. “Must be the pancakes I had

irritation and amusement. “So the kitten has claws.” Cool fingers ghost across my collarbone, tracing the neck of my shirt. “Shall we see

crimson spray. The coppery tang assaults my nose, but there’s an underlying sweetness that makes

staggers back, his eyes wide with shock

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Shocking

his neck, wrenching out the object lodged there. It’s a knife, the blade slick

and hauling me to my feet. I stumble, legs shaky, as he shoves me behind him. He faces off against the

friend and run,” Teddy grits out, not taking his eyes off the seething creature before us. “I’ll hold

him off.”

helping Teddy and reaching Lisa. But Teddy is already moving, launching himself at the vampire with a guttural

1. in.

shoulders, calling her name, but she doesn’t respond. Panic

sickening crunch makes me whip my head around. My heart seizes in my chest. Teddy lies

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eyes stare

his muzzle

over him, lips

smile.

he sneers, wiping blood from his chin. “Did you really think you could best me?”

predatory grace. I scramble to my feet, positioning myself between him and Lisa. My

his strength against him. Go for the weak points–eyes, throat, groin.

The vampire stalks closer, his gaze raking

and amusement.

little wolf?” he taunts, circling me slowly. “I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”