Tangled

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157 Ava: Everything's Changed

The alpha lodge is different. It's been cleaned and scrubbed and actually looks rather nice.

I don't think any of the furniture is original.

"We took the liberty of re-arranging the place," Vester says, and I realize he and Vanessa are on opposite sides of our little group.

Interesting.

Glancing around again, I smile at Vester. "It looks great. Doesn't look anything like it did before."

Vanessa trails behind Selene, who seems to be following her nose somewhere. I watch them go, but then my gaze is drawn to the sheer opulence of this place.

It's like a mansion out of an old movie, with high ceilings and rich wood paneling. The entryway opens into a huge ballroom-

style space. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. I can remember Alpha Renard holding court here, all his lackeys gathered around and hanging on his every word. The thought makes me shudder.

I wander from room to room, marveling at the transformation. It's hard to believe this is the same dark, oppressive place I remember. Upstairs, I peek into bedrooms with plush carpets and four- poster beds. There must be at least six rooms up here. It's like a luxury hotel.

It also smells like new construction. Interesting.

157 Ava Everything's Changed

As I make my way back downstairs, I realize it's gone quiet. Too quiet.

Selene?

No answer, and she's nowhere to be found.

"Hey Ava." Vester's voice startles me and I spin around. "I've gotta head out, take care of some pack stuff. You good here with Clayton?"

"Oh. Yeah, of course." I try to sound nonchalant, but my heart picks up speed at the thought of being alone with Clayton, and the uncomfortable conversation I still need to have with him. "No. problem." Soon, it's just me and Clayton standing awkwardly in the giant foyer. I clear my throat. "I'm honestly surprised you're still here. Figured you'd have to go back to Aspen."

He shrugs. "The Council assigned me here almost from the beginning."

help as a friend. It makes sense, though. "The Council assigned

nods, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Yeah. They wanted an unbiased alpha to oversee things during

seems to be taking a long time," I observe, wandering over to study an

sighs. "A modern pack takeover like this, it's almost. unprecedented. The Council wants it done right.

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157 Ava. Everything Changed

to be that an alpha would take

but..."

to face him with genuine. curiosity. "How's it going so far? Have many Blackwood wolves.

A shadow

of the females. have pledged to Westwood or Silvermoon. A number have already relocated. But the males..." He shakes his head. "It's a different. story.

some on the plane with us,

His ocean scent washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going to find Lisa. And I

will never hurt you again. I

at the fierce protectiveness in his tone. Clayton's determination to keep people

he means it.

know." Uncomfortable with

switch lanes. "How's y?"

emotional territory, I

into a smile. "Ivy's doing

Avoc Everything is

though she's been worried about

about me or just saying the right. things. Our interactions had always been tinged with an odd. undertone I could never

family. "That's kind of her. Please tell her hello from me." The words feel hollow, a generic platitud Silence descends, thick and uncomfortable. I avoid Clayton's gaze, studying the intricate patterns in

over relationships are not in

wheelhouse.

want to have Clayton misunderstanding anything else between us. Clayton clears his throat, breaking the awkward peace. "So, how are

startled half out of its lifespan. Is

damn mind now?

Clayton's eyes.

Really great."

Clayton makes it sound like a

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157 Ava Everything's Changed

his expression unreadable. "I'm glad to hear that, Ava. Truly." His voice is low,