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.

of my bodyguards supposedly 'retired"? An aging shifter is not the same as

if

"Vanessa-"

my neck, tapping and pressing4n spots that only make sense to her. Then she checks over all my limbs and my chest and back,

10:27

217

Ava Mom's

stop jiggling your

to your normal self, which is great news for Jericho. He wants you to

mature, responsible, and (above all) stronger, a groan escapes me.

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

think it actually happens to people, so I straighten my slumped shoulders, clear my throat, and meet

sure it does. Don't push yourself too hard. I warned him to take it easy

"Small blessings."

one who told him you wanted to get stronger. I'm not sure what

Jericho's version of training is a circle of Hell

to my chest. Something

unfamiliar, but

twist

10:27-

377

Mom's Legacy

break. "Have you figured out how to deal with

from Vanessa's face, replaced by a serious expression to match the topic at hand. "I have." She zips her 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

She probably does.

good at things

window, his face a professional blank canvas He acts like he's ignoring our conversation, but I know he's heard every

little overwhelming, but I'm trying to get

I'm trying." My lips quirk, just a little. "Someone really opened my eyes, and I've come to

helped you." Vanessa's expression softens. "Lucas has already called me several times, you know. Making sure I won't be putting you in any danger. Still grumbling about this

1. ne. "He what?"

genuine. "It's hard being married to

embarrassment and mild

did that. We talked about it before I

board with it!"

Ava. He's