Tangled

144 Ava: Searching for a Candle

144 Ava: Searching for a Candle

It takes a little more effort than I expected to convince Dr. Beaumont to discharge me home, but after

promising up and down to let Vanessa visit twice a day for bloodwork and vitals, I finally get my way.

Lucas treats me like a fragile vase on the way to the apartment, worrying over leaving me in Lisa’s place alone. He’s not thrilled that I refuse to go to the alpha lodge in the wake of the vampire attack, and it feels like the entire apartment building is filled with wolf shifters in suits, glowering at everyone who passes by.

But I still count it as a win.

I can’t believe two healthy adult women in their twenties don’t have a single candle in their apartment. Selene noses open a cabinet to sniff inside, before clicking her nails across the kitchen to another one. Nothing here.

As she checks the lower cabinets, I shove my way through our everything drawer, only coming up with a small lighter. Helpful, but only half of what I need.

I even check the pantry, but there’s no waxy pillar to

17:39 C

184 Asa Searching for a Candle

be found.

Going behind Selene, I double check where she’s already looked, ignoring her half–offended snort when I come up as empty as she did.

I told you, there are no candles. My nose works quicker and better than your eyes.

We’ve already checked Lisa’s room and mine. Not a single candle to be had.

How are we out of candles? At the bare minimum, we should have some handy in case the electricity ever goes out.

I stalk to the bathroom, flinging open drawers. “Where

the hell are the candles?”

Selene opens the linen cabinet with a deft paw, shoving her head inside to sniff.

It’s all towels, of course.

And shampoo.

And soap.

that make

another drawer shut.

17:30 *

to access chapters of novels early and

Searching fa a

around. Scented stuff bothers your noses.”

snorts. Point taken. But on TV, the girls are always taking bubble baths with scented candles.

watch too much TV. It’s going to rot

just fine.

sometimes…

sink. Jackpot. I pull out a dusty lavender

quick sniff, sneezing again. It smells

set the candle aside. I’ll have to call for

pockets and brows furrowed. Who else would make it past all the guards to knock on

been gone long, though.

you need something?” I ask,

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for a

from his presence.

realizing that no other person can make me feel what Lucas

like I never put up walls at

I’d probably throw myself

would have loved

absence, I reach for Lucas‘ hand and pull him inside, not missing how his eyes light up when I do

makes me feel like shit when I realize how

to him. How

away.

Selene says, sounding as if she’d rather be murdered than admit

shuts the door behind him,

Searching for a Candio

I wasn’t sure how you would handle being

was busy hunting down

“It’s hard,” I agree, because it is. I don’t like looking around and knowing that Lisa isn’t here. “But I’ll be fine, Lucas. Really. You have enough on your plate, and I’d rather have you looking for

and tense. “You were attacked, Ava. Vampires invaded my territory. Attacked my mate.” His jaw clenches. “I couldn’t be there to protect you, but I can at least be here so you’re not alone. I won’t drag you to the alpha lodge, if this is where you want to be. But I don’t feel

can take care of myself, but the words die

I’m scared. I’m

feeling safe and thinking Lucas and Kellan were worrywarts,

678

Av Soarching for a

by a vampire.

as a supernatural doesn’t prepare you for

that.

so closed off from society, it’s like they