Tangled

169

169

169 Ava: A Strange Meeting

Confusion flickers across the stranger's face for a moment before understanding dawns. "Ah, I see. If you saw someone just now, it was likely a manifestation of your own fears. A distraction, meant to throw off I stare at him, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. A manifestation of my fears? How is that even possible?

Selene pads forward, her nose twitching as she sniffs at the stranger's feet. To my shock, her hackles remain flat, her tail giving a tentative wag. She's never reacted this way to a potential threat before. He is not a danger to us, but he is not an ally, she tells me.

"What are you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The stranger tilts his head, studying me with those unsettling eyes. "I could ask the same of you. Why is a witch running with the Blackwood Pack?"

The word "witch" hits me like a punch to the gut, stealing the breath from my lungs.

The only ones to call me that are vampires.

Careful, Ava. Selene's warning echoes through my mind, even as she continues to sniff at the stranger's shoes.

The stranger glances at Selene, distaste crossing his face, but he allows her to sniff. Then he glances over my shoulder. "I'm afraid we'll have to continue this conversation another time. Once you

17:30

10 AW A Kuangs Meeting

have permission from my mother, that is."

"Your mother?" I echo, confusion and frustration warring within me. "What are you talking about?"

But the stranger is already backing away, melting into the shadows as if they were never there at all. I lunge forward, desperate for answers, but my hands close on empty air.

I hesitate, torn between the desire to chase after the mysterious stranger and the knowledge that I can't just go off running.

I've been kidnapped enough times that I really should have learned my lesson.

me in my tracks. We need to get back

I whirl around to see Kellan bursting forth from the trees, his chest barely rising and falling despite the

are you okay?" His voice is tight with concern as he approaches

stranger's cryptic words still echo in my mind. "I thought I saw someone out

furrow as he takes another deep inhale, his expression growing more perplexed by the

17:30

A Stranjas

pumping through my veins. How could Kellan not detect the

me back. The stranger's parting comment about needing permission from his mother-whoever that might be-leaves me unsettled. There are too many secrets surrounding my pack. Things about Blackwood don't make sense, as

known how my life would turn out, I would have spent more time lingering during late-night discussions, instead of tuning people out and hiding whenever I

is always better,

these scraps of information I'm somehow supposed to piece together, I glance at

it's probably best to keep this encounter to

say instead, shaking my head.

concern doesn't leave his eyes. It's a little insulting to know

going on that can pull the wool over his eyes, but that's something that can only be changed with time. Everyone thinks of me as

nice if that

It will.

is a small

a hand against my shoulder, Kellan glances around again. "Let's get you

her gaze on

we near the lodge, Kellan clears his throat. "I think it's best if you stay inside.

short, turning to face him. "Actually, I was hoping to see

a frown. "Are you sure that's a good

mother's venomous words still stinging. But there's a nagging feeling in my gut, urging me to try again. Especially now, with the appearance of this mysterious stranger. He's too comfortable here in Blackwood lands. Mom might know about

her," I say,

17:39

I can

studies me for a long

know."

It isn't consent.

here because of her. I want to talk