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.

firm, halting me in my tracks. We need to get back

feet reaches my ears just as Selene's warning registers. I whirl around to see Kellan bursting forth from the trees, his chest barely rising and falling despite the clear effort he's exerted to His eyes, sharp and wary, dart around the area, searching

concern as he approaches

echo in my mind. "I thought I saw someone out

growing more perplexed by the second. "That's odd. I don't smell

17:30

Ave A Stranjas

not detect the stranger's scent? Selene had clearly caught their smell, even if she hadn't reacted with

something holds 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

the beta's daughter, I should know more. If I'd known how my life would turn

is always better,

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

information, it's probably best to keep this encounter

say instead, shaking my

It's a little insulting to know

something that can only be changed with time. Everyone thinks of me as the one

be nice if that changes

It will.

confidence is

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

beside me. I can feel her gaze on me, knowing and expectant,

his throat. "I think it's best if you stay inside. We'll be adding more guards. At least until we are certain

him. "Actually, I was hoping to

face, followed by a frown. "Are you sure that's a good idea? After what happened last

memory of my 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

need to see her," I say,

17:39

I

for a long moment before sighing.

know."

It isn't consent.

I'm here because