Tangled

183

183

1. 183 Ava: Jericho's Acceptance

Since neither shifter seems very interested in talking, I sit with only my thoughts for company.

Even Selene is silent in my head, though she rests her chin on my leg, her eyes deceptively closed.

She's not asleep, but still dealing with whatever demons are inside of her right now.

Both guards tense as Selene's ears flick around.

Someone's coming, she says, lifting her head to stare at the door. When both guards relax after that distracted look from them linking with someone, she does too, despite sniffing at the air. Jericho, she says, as the door opens and his grizzled head pokes into the room.

Jericho glances around, looking at both guards with clear contempt, before nodding to me. "Girl," he says gruffly.

in

My lips twitch into a faint smile, an unexpected warmth blooming

my chest at his informal address. At least one thing hasn't changed. He still treats me the same, even after everything that's happened.

"Wait outside," Jericho orders the two ill-at-

ease shifters, jerking his head toward the door. They hesitate for a moment, exchanging an uncertain look, but a single raised eyebrow from Jericho has them scurrying out of the room. The door closes with a soft click, and Jerich

Jes

Acceptanés

back to me. "How're you doing? Feeling okay?"

I open my mouth, ready to assure him that I'm fine, but the words lodge in my throat. Am

the little truths Vanessa has managed to open my eyes

it doesn't seem

turmoil. He sighs, running a hand over his stubbled jaw. "Listen, girl, all young pups make mistakes. It's part

catches me off guard. I haven't been called that since I was

times, but I

see countless pups stumble and

to imagine he even had

this world one day, old and cantankerous, yelling at innocent

manage your expectations," Jericho continues, his gaze intense. "But I like the look in your eyes

His assessment comes as a surprise

In fact, I feel embarrassed by how

not so long ago.

Blinded by peace.

rubbing Selene's head. She's already lowered her head and closed her eyes again, leaving me to Jericho's presence alone. "I feel like I've already softened up." Jericho's eyebrows raise a fraction. "Are you an idiot?

But I don't have the energy to rise to his bait.

mean by that?"

opportunity to pace my room in short, slow strides. It takes a little time for me to realize

"Of what?"

at me, his face stern. "Explain what

somehow easier than I

never changes, never shows its

and asks questions

finish explaining my vague connection with Sister Miriam, he stares at the ceiling in thought, one booted foot tapping against the floor as time

crazy as it sounds, girl, my gut's telling me this

ally than an

edge of my

acts like this toward someone they're hunting. No, she has a pla The doubt on my face must be crystal clear, because he barks out a laugh. "Even vampires have their own politics. They're

the sense of pack

The question slips out before I can stop myself. Curiosity has me

damn sure. They've grown up

our toes."