Tangled

174

174

174 Ava: Selene Isn't Human

Selene writhes against the bedspread, looking like a puppy chastised. She says these are our growing pains, and I'm too old to be throwing a tantrum like a pup.

She sounds so offended that I almost laugh.

Almost.

But I can feel the threat in her mental presence. If I dare to laugh now, I'll never hear the end of it.

So I focus on Vanessa, instead.

"Ava, listen. A wolf is not human. Our wolves think of ourselves. first, and everyone else secondary. They're focused on power first, and results second. Not on the sacrifices. Results are what matter, and everyt A soft, husky-like yowling bark comes out of Selene. That isn't true,

Isn't it?

Somehow, it feels very...

Don't you dare finish that thought. Selene snaps at the air. We also care about the sacrifices, and understand relationships become complicated when we do what needs to be done. Vanessa watches me with a patient stare.

"Sorry. Selene was talking."

"I can see that." Her smile is faint. "They usually do, when we get this talk. But it's usually when we're pups, and it comes from our

parents. This is the first wolves and the babes chat I've had with an

adult.

Wolves and the babes?

That sounds so... adorable.

But I remember clearly what a 12-year-old wolf shifter is like. A voracious appetite, short temper, and a tendency towards sneaking around to get what they want. Not very adorable.

"Look, Ava. Ultimately, the relationship wolves have with each other is not the same as humans have with each other. A wolf might understand why they were pushed aside, once all is said an done. They can ac detriment to their pack bond, knowing that the end result is the most important thing. But we," and she points between us, "are not like that. If Lucas were to ghost you, how would you feel?" That's easy. "Terrible." We've already lived through that.

"And if he did things behind your back, saying the entire time that it was what was best for you, and you just have to trust him?"

Seeing where she's going, I can't hold her gaze, lowering

mine to the bedspread. It's soft, with a few threads loose, perfect to pluck while being forced to face hard truths. "I would feel awful. Like he doesn't trust me. Like our relationship isn't as strong as it should be." Thinking on it, on how I felt when I lived in what I felt were gilded cages, "And angry. I would definitely be angry."

Vanessa nods. “Now, have Selene answer that question, and think about it. I'm going to see what I can do to make this 'hare-brained'

174 Art Rolene Un? Human

scheme of yours work."

Selene walks stiff-legged to curl up under the window, flatly

refusing to respond to Vanessa's homework.

Which must mean that Vanessa's assessment of her Lycan psyche is spot-on.

It is not, Selene huffs, sounding rankled.

"Mhm."

get it. These revelations are...

still

another part of me that's horrified to think back on the last

But more than that...

stares up at me from my phone

yourself in danger without coming to me for help first. When you're ready, can

"Selene."

Selene's ears twitch, but

should go back. For

said bodies would burn tonight. It has to be for

wonder if I'll

17:43

Solone

in motion. I don't ask how,

rites begin, which should be just enough time to make it there in time. Kellan alternates between calm and brooding, but there's a distinct

Lucas' mate; he's never once looked at

that stabs into my heart

knife.

the rites of lives lost during

massacre.

words. There's a faint sense of her emotions in the back

can feel her waffling between frustration and

have much time to think about it, because Vanessa's words keep circling

be wrong

it's changed something inside my head. Something that makes it hard to

against the small oval

17:43

Selene

endless expanse of clouds. It's a beautiful sunset

eyes, letting

all I've

important, but-I'm

failure of

failure of

mind was

life in Cedarwood. All things that take

from here.

Away from responsibility.

Away from reality.

important. But those people who lost their lives? Those families with

They're important, too.

freedom, or did I want to

shifts uncomfortably, hearing every word of my soft mutterings. "Do you really

turns to look at the back of my head, probably wondering what's come

My sigh is long, my shoulders slumping at his words. Whatever his opinion is, it's

17:43

Avt Selene Isn't

and I have no idea what blunt words will come

I'm on my way to a funeral, and

growing as a person; now,

the families of

wondering how many will be furious to see me there. Is this