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.

once again, why are all of my bodyguards supposedly 'retired"? An

if Vanessa

"Vanessa-"

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

10:27

217

Ava Mom's

or stop

seem to be back to your normal self, which is great news

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

to say that there isn't a part of me that wishes. power would just appear in front of m nd embrace me within

to think it actually happens to people, so I straighten my slumped shoulders, clear my throat, and meet Vanessa's amused stare with as much professi like poise as I can muster.

hard. I warned him to take it easy on

"Small blessings."

him you wanted to get stronger.

get stronger. It's just that Jericho's version of training is a circle of Hell

sort of comfort to my chest.

unfamiliar, but it's

My fingers twist

10:27-

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Ava Mom's Legacy

I can't seem to break. "Have you

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 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

She probably does.

good at things like

he's ignoring our conversation, but I know he's heard every word. I'm pretty sure he reports it all

little overwhelming, but

My lips quirk, just a little. "Someone really opened

Making sure I won't be putting you in any danger. Still grumbling about this silly idea of y My eyes widen, horror

1. ne. "He what?"

rich and genuine. "It's hard being married to an overprotective alpha,

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

We talked about

board with it!"

you, Ava. He's