Tangled

143 Ava: An Unusual Letter

I must have fallen asleep.

I don’t remember falling asleep.

Of course you don’t, Selene says with a long yawn. You

were so exhausted you just passed out

mid–conversation with Lucas. He almost tore a nurse’s

head off for taking too long after he pressed the call

button.

Well, I’m glad I missed that overreaction.

You’re fine. It’s just blood loss. They transfused you overnight. You seem a lot better.

I feel a lot better. I didn’t realize how dizzy I was, how my eyes couldn’t focus, until now. Being back to normal feels nice.

Not normal, but better. Selene stretches, flicking her ears at me. Lucas took me on a walk this morning.

Her disgruntled mental voice makes me laugh. How

was it?

Fine. He told me to go potty.

143 Ava An Unusual Letter

I clamp both hands over my mouth, trying my damndest to stifle the hysterical giggles, but the ice–blue eyes staring my way tell me I’ve failed in a most spectacular manner.

Perhaps you should go potty, Selene suggests in a

voice that would have a beautiful home in Antarctica.

“You’re right. I really need to go.” My lips twitch as I shove my blankets off and haul my IV pole with me like a professional hospital patient–which, at this point, it kind of feels like I am.

I do need to pee, though, so I make quick work in the bathroom, grateful for the nurses who were thoughtful enough to bring a disposable toothbrush and

toothpaste. And soap.

I should shower, though. I hate that gross hospital feeling when I wake up here.

You won’t have time. Lucas and Kellan are almost here.

Must be nice to have wolf–nose.

It is.

nice to rub

It is

17:36

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Aun An Unnual

minty foam. You’re kind of

just stating the

Hah.

into the mirror, the laughter of my morning quickly fading into the grim reminder

thoughts on why they crashed the

with the water going. They wanted you.

Lisa?

But she’s human.

human mated to a wolf. There’s a good chance there’s something in her bloodline. It

and I gag at the thought of Lisa becoming a snack for a vampire.

Ava An Unusual Litter

mouth as quickly

twice more.

probably didn’t think about how the term ‘vampire snack‘ would

friend, and I’d rather not think of her getting eaten. By vampire or wolf.

okay to be out of bed?” Lucas and Kellan stare at me from the bathroom door–a giant

wheelchairs.

I wasn’t doing anything particularly private, because

Waving away Lucas‘ concern, I make my way back to bed, dragging that damnable IV pole behind me. “I’m all better this morning.”

a bit, and I correct myself, shaking off Lucas‘ helpful

hospital bed, my mind a little fuzzy from the exertion. Lucas hovers nearby, his

17:30

An Unusual Letter

and staring out the window once

scene would be almost peaceful if not

my attention. “Ava, do you know

and glittering red

voice is

sighs, his expression grim. “Miriam sent us a letter, requesting to see you. She claims you’re in danger and

“A letter?”

ago from an Unregistered city near the Blackwood pack lands. It was overlooked while I was

sooner…” His voice trails off as

his jaw in frustration. “I’m sorry, Ava. If we had contacted her sooner, we might have

this”

) | inti

avoidable. “There’s no guarantee of that,

to see you, and saying you were

check me for signs of pregnancy before my mating ceremony with

ignore it. Alphas are notoriously possessive, and there’s no way he would enjoy being reminded

me every few days. Lucas doesn’t ask, but

to see her.”

attention. “It’s possible that

distress.”

the heels of a vampire

want to talk

17:38

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An Unusual