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.

grouse in

brilliant idea was it to put a magic neon ‘bite me‘ sign

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

chuckles darkly, his grip loosening

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my neck again, lips

and I gigi, stngely giddy, before I realize

enticing scent,” he murmurs against my skin, tongue flicking out to taste.

laugh. “Must

claws.” Cool fingers ghost across my collarbone, tracing the neck of my shirt. “Shall we see what other secrets you’re

my nose, but there’s an underlying sweetness that makes my stomach heave. It’s cloying, like rotting fruit, and I gag on the scent, fighting the

staggers back, his eyes wide with shock

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Shocking Finale (11)

lodged there. It’s a knife, the blade

and hauling me to my feet. I stumble, legs shaky, as he shoves me behind him.

not taking his eyes off the

him off.”

between helping Teddy and reaching Lisa. But Teddy is already moving, launching himself

1. in.

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

crunch makes me whip my head around. My heart seizes in my chest. Teddy lies crumpled on the ground, his

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eyes stare

sky, his muzzle slack.

him, lips

smile.

sneers, wiping blood from his chin. “Did you really think you could

to my feet, positioning myself between him and Lisa. My hands shake, my breath coming in sharp

Selene whispers urgently in my mind. Use his strength against him. Go

more to myself than to her. The vampire stalks closer,

and amusement.

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