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

me that still doesn't feel like I really did anything

part of me that's horrified to

But more than that...

stares up at me

I'm sorry. None of my behavior was acceptable. I just hate knowing that you're putting yourself in danger without coming to me

"Selene."

Selene's ears twitch, but her sulking doesn't

go back. For

bodies would burn tonight. It has to

I'll

17:43

Solone isn't

set my plans in motion. I don't ask how, but

an hour before the 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 feeling of approval that I

as Lucas' mate; he's never once looked at me with

a subtle difference, one that stabs into

knife.

attend the rites of lives lost during

massacre.

words. There's a faint sense of

her waffling

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

can be wrong when

changed something inside my head. Something

my head against the small oval window. These overwhelming thoughts and emotions threaten to drown me

17:43

Avo: Selene Isn't

moment I shove away all thoughts, my unfocused gaze drifting over the endless expanse of clouds. It's a beautiful sunset below us, with orange and pink and shades of blue, darkening into

close my eyes, letting

lost, and all I've really

important, but-I'm the

of an

of a

my mind was independence. Of proving

Of my life in Cedarwood.

from here.

Away from responsibility.

Away from reality.

is missing. She's important. But those people who lost their lives? Those families with a forever-missing

They're important, too.

freedom, or did I want

my soft mutterings.

reflect on the glass as he turns to look at the back of my head, probably wondering what's

sigh is long, my shoulders slumping at his words. Whatever his opinion

17:43

Selene Isn't

me, and I have no idea what blunt words

about my hurt feelings when I'm on my way to a funeral, and yet my heart cringes

I think, because I'd been so certain I was growing as a person; now,

the families of the victims see

will be furious to see me there. Is this a