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.

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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

exactly on talking terms right

would be perked as high as

stay in Granite

distracted during this time of crisis. I think he needs to get his head out of his ass. And as for Alpha, w "Lucas is

However, there

you, and how he prioritizes you over the pack." She glances at

also fated mates. "It is.

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101 AM

leans back in the seat, glancing in

backseat,

abuse of power," I whisper, even though

great?" She winks at me. "Gotta stop the gossips before

"I'm not your-"

yes, I know. Not

I don't like that she's put me

the

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

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

howls in the backseat,

in confusion. "I heard she's great with all

17:34

310

181 Aw Mon

yowl like a cat in heat.

around all of us without slinking away is a sight I've never seen.

quirk as the dog in question begins to

finally gives in and reaches into the back, coaxing her up front

time we make it to the hospital, she's sitting in

head. "Your

idea," I mutter, though my mind is

each step bringing me

glances at me, her eyes filled with concern. "How are you

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

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

What am I afraid