Tangled

191

191

191 Ava: Mom's Legacy (IV)

Vanessa's visit is a welcome distraction from Selene's refusal to come out from beneath the bed.

She's searched thoroughly, even her bag of medical supplies, before Marcus allows her to step foot into my room, as if she hasn't been one of my biggest supporter ince stepping onto Westwood lands. "Looks like security's been upgraded," she says with a laugh. "I owe Vester dinner."

"Dinner?" Watching as she slides the blood pressure cuff over my arm, I smile faintly. "Did you guys have a bet?"

"We always have a bet going. I usually win. Uncross your legs and relax your arms."

A quick check of all my vitals has her nodding in approval. "Still doing good. Did you get any check-ups done while you were back on pack lands?"

"Nope."

"Of course you didn't." She snaps my file closed with a sigh. "Kellan should have thought about it while you were there, but with. everything going on... Mmm. I can see how it would be missed." The entire pack is in an uproar. I've barely seen Lucas in two days.

"They have the entire Council coming. Even Clayton. Kellan's here to take over for the duration of their emergency session," I explain,

not sure how much Vester's told her.

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191 Ava: Mom's Legacy (IV)

"So I've heard. Open your mouth." Using her tongue depressor to clear her field of view, she inspects the back of my throat with a soft hum. "Your tonsils are swollen. Have you been snoring?"

"I have no idea." Of course, my mouth is open with what looks like a popsicle stick holding down my tongue, so it comes out more like, "A-ha-ho-ihea."

Yes, Selene offers up from her place beneath the bed, as Vanessa finishes violating my mouth with her

ressor.

After swallowing a few times and moistening my mouth, I mutter, "Selene says yes."

"We'll keep an eye on it. Hopefully you aren't about to come down with a cold or anything." There's a dubious note to Vanessa's voice, and I remember that she's a healer to shifters. They don't get things like colds. Or illness in general.

Injury-related issues, sure.

Or poisons.

begs the question once again, why are all of my bodyguards supposedly 'retired"? An aging shifter is not the

wonder if Vanessa

"Vanessa-"

me finish." Her cool fingers brush against my neck, tapping and pressing4n spots that only make sense to her. Then she checks over all my limbs

10:27

217

Ava Mom's

stop

which is great

to become more mature, responsible, and (above all) stronger,

me that wishes. power would just appear in front of m nd

people, so I straighten my slumped shoulders, clear my throat, and meet Vanessa's amused stare with as much professi

yourself too hard. I warned him to take it easy

"Small blessings."

packs everything away. "You're the one who told him you wanted to get stronger. I'm not sure what you

Jericho's version of training is a circle of Hell that's better left undisturbed." Watching

to my chest.

but it's

twist around

10:27-

377

Ava Mom's Legacy

you figured out

medical bag closed and sets it on the floor, watching me. "When do you want to vi My mouth dries faster than the S. ra in summer. The idea of facing my mother again, after our last disastrous encounter, sends an Arctic shudder down my spine. But I want answers. "How about in the morning? Vanessa's lips twitch, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Trying to avoid training with Jericho, are we? But tonight would be better! A laugh bubbles out of me, the sound a little too high- pitched to be genuine. We both know that visiting my mother is far worse than any hell Jericho could put me through on the training grounds, but the attempt at levity is appreciated. "You know, I'm glad you're finally opening up to other members of the pack," Vanessa

She probably does.

at

professional blank canvas He acts like he's ignoring our conversation, but I know he's heard every word. I'm pretty sure

a little overwhelming, but

little. "Someone really opened my eyes, and I've come

times, you know. Making sure I won't be putting you in any danger. Still grumbling about

1. ne. "He what?"

hard being married to an overprotective alpha,

groan, burying my face in my hands. The secondhand embarrassment and mild frustration over

We talked about it before I left.

board with it!"

you, Ava. He's just