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.

halting me in my tracks. We need to

chest barely rising and falling despite the clear effort he's exerted to His eyes, sharp and wary, dart around the area, searching for

voice is tight with concern as

in my mind. "I thought I saw

his expression growing more perplexed by the second.

17:30

A

could Kellan not detect the stranger's scent? Selene had clearly caught their smell, even if

explain further, but 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

more attention. Living as the beta's daughter, I should know more. If I'd known how my life would turn out, I would have spent more time

always

piece together, I glance at Kellan, who's looking around again, nostrils flared

it's probably

say instead, shaking my head.

doesn't leave his eyes. It's a little insulting to know that he thinks

wool over his eyes, but that's something that can only be changed with time. Everyone thinks of me as the one who needs to

be nice if that

It will.

confidence is a

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

Selene padding silently beside me. I can feel her gaze on me, knowing and

best if you stay

turning to face him. "Actually, I was hoping to see Vanessa. I want to visit

you

But there's a nagging feeling in my gut, urging me to try

her," I say,

17:39

as I

studies me for a long

know."

It isn't consent.

not asking for permission, Kellan. I'm here because of her. I want to talk to her