Tangled

161

161

161 Ava: Mom (1)

Selene perks her head up before there's a knock rapping against my door.

Vanessa, she confirms before I open it.

"The boys have dialed in," Vanessa announces as soon as she sees my face. "It's up to you. We can head straight to the hospital, or you

can settle in and wait until tomorrow."

My stomach twists, heartburn coming out of nowhere to spread fire through my esophagus. "Oh." I could almost forget why I'm here, distracting myself with everything else. "Tomorrow's just fine-"

"No," I cut in, shaking my head. "I need to talk to her now. The quicker we get answers, the sooner we can get Lisa back."

Vanessa searches my face, her brows drawing together as she weighs the situation in her mind.

After a moment, she steps back, motioning me out of the room. “I'll

let Ves know."

"Ves? Oh. Vester." I've never heard her talk about him before, and their curious interactions earlier have me wanting to ask her what's going on.

But I'm not exactly sure how to casually bring up such a level of gossip.

Is it gossip when you're talking to the person in question?

Either way.

17:33

16

161 Ava Mom (0)

"You can stop staring at me like that." Vanessa smiles at me as we head out of the lodge, flanked immediately by two burly wolf shifters I don't recognize.

"Like what?" I ask, feigning innocence for as long as I can. It's embarrassing that she caught me.

Once we're both buckled in and Vanessa shifts into reverse, she

and I aren't exactly on talking terms

to ooze casual, even if my ears would be perked as high as hell if I was a

should stay in Granite City, on Westwood lands, under guard at all times." "Oh." Distaste is about the only thing oozing out of me

safe so his alpha is not distracted during this time of crisis. I think he needs to get his head out

doing that. However,

and how he prioritizes you over the pack." She glances at me again, then back to the road. "It's rough when

remembering that she and Vester are also fated mates. "It is. How do

17:33

2/6

101 AM

at a different place than you and Alpha are. Slowing for a red light, she leans back in the seat, glancing in

I watch the bodyguards in the backseat, who all

even though they can hear every word because...

it great?" She winks at me. "Gotta stop

"I'm not your-"

yes, I

don't like that she's put

can always hop over the seat and come up

my mental eardrum. With those hulking brutes? No, thank you. Did you know they picked me

I gaze out the window, watching the familiar scenery pass. You're the

backseat, startling all

car?" Vanessa asks me in confusion. "I heard she's great

17:34

310

181 Aw Mon

a cat in heat. "She's just upset she's in

"The fact that she's able to be around all of

dog in question begins to sing the song of huskies everywhere.

the rest of the drive, until one bodyguard finally gives in and reaches into the

hospital, she's sitting in the middle seat, accepting the pets of both

head.

idea," I mutter, though my mind

heart races as we approach the entrance, each step bringing me closer

eyes filled with concern. "How are

nerves. "Nervous," I admit, surprised at how calm my voice sounds

afraid of?" Vanessa asks, her words soothing, a balm to

question catches me off guard What am I afraid of?