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

I aren't exactly on

would be perked as high as hell if I

with you," she adds, flicking a faint smile in my direction. "He thinks you should stay in Granite City,

under guard and safe so his alpha is not distracted during this time of crisis. I think

However, there has been

his long absences, his search for you, and how he prioritizes you over the pack." She glances at me

Vester are also fated mates.

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101 AM

for six years. We're at a different place than you and Alpha are. Slowing for a red light, she leans back in the seat, glancing in her rearview mirror.

the backseat, who all seem

abuse of power," I whisper, even though they can hear every word

She winks at me. "Gotta stop the gossips before they

"I'm not your-"

yes, I know.

but I don't like that she's put me in the back with

always hop over the seat and come up

eardrum. With those hulking brutes? No, thank

watching the familiar scenery pass. You're

in the backseat, startling all of

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

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181 Aw Mon

and Selerie begins to yowl like a cat in heat. "She's just upset she's in the trunk. Thinks

the rearview mirror, shaking her head. "The fact that she's able to be around all of us without slinking away

dog in question begins to sing the song of huskies

rest of the drive, until one bodyguard finally gives in and reaches into the back, coaxing her up front like he's talking to a

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

shakes her head. "Your dog

have no idea," I mutter, though my mind is elsewhere

entrance, each step bringing me closer

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

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

are you afraid of?" Vanessa asks, her words soothing, a balm to the anxious

guard What am I