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

It is

17:36

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Aun An

with minty foam.

stating the Moon–blessed

Hah.

fades when I stare into the mirror, the laughter of my morning quickly fading into the grim reminder that Lisa isn’t here

you have any thoughts on why they crashed

doggy huff even with the water going. They wanted you.

Lisa?

But she’s human.

wolf. There’s a good chance there’s something in her bloodline. It might just be enough to make

in my mouth, and I gag at the thought of Lisa becoming a snack for a

An Unusual

my mouth as quickly as possible,

twice more.

get it; she probably didn’t think about how the term ‘vampire snack‘ would

in this case, prey is my best friend, and I’d rather not think

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

wheelchairs.

wasn’t doing anything particularly private,

back to bed, dragging

and I correct myself, shaking off Lucas‘ helpful

settle back into the hospital bed, my mind a little fuzzy from the exertion. Lucas hovers nearby,

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Ava An

and staring out the

scene would be almost peaceful if not

clears his throat, drawing my attention. “Ava,

Lucas‘ mouth has me frozen as I recall her dark hair and glittering red eyes. The woman who unsettled even my mother, notoriously cold and always in

My voice

us a letter, requesting to see you. She claims you’re in danger and that she

“A letter?”

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

I had seen it sooner…” His voice trails off as he

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

this”

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the tragedy might have been avoidable. “There’s no guarantee of

see you, and saying you were in danger

slightly. “My mother brought her in to check me for signs of pregnancy before my

Alphas are notoriously possessive, and there’s no way he would enjoy being reminded that his

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

want to see her.”

clears his throat, catching my attention. “It’s possible that bringing her here would only

distress.”

a vampire attack… It doesn’t sound like a great idea.

I want to talk to

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Ava An Unusual Lotter