Tangled

Unshift 214

Unshift 214

214 Ava: Dressing for Danger

Lucas doesn't answer Kellan's text, or my phone call.

Probably busy again with the Council.

Stretching, I test the range of motion in the lightweight tactical clothing Kellan provided. The fabric is breau..able, but I'm already sweating beneath the impact-resistant layer in the shirt. A knife rests heavy on my belt, and the boots feel stiff, promising blisters if I have to run for my life. But of course the beta insisted, so here I am, trussed up like an operative minus the arsenal.

The bodyguards have all ditched their suits for similar getups, though several sport guns on their hips. I turn to Marcus, brow raised. "Why don't I get a gun?"

He barely glances my way. "A gun in untrained hands is just asking for trouble."

I purse my lips but concede his point with silence. Using it would require an instruction manual, and there's no time for that in an

emergency.

Still seems like something I should probably learn, considering that my physical prowess is much worse than the average shifter.

The door swings open and I blink in surprise as Vanessa strides in, kitted out like some special ops soldier. She catches my stare and explains, "Jericho updated me." Something in her gaze gives me pause. Is that pride? Whatever it is, I shift uncomfortably under the unexpected approval. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

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214 Ava. Dressing for Danger

Vanessa's lips quirk. "Lately, you've seemed paralyzed by

indecision, scared to make the wrong move, I'm glad to see you've found your confidence again."

A humorless laugh escapes me. Confidence? I'm trembling in my boots. Literally. "I'm not confident at all. I'm constantly second-guessing myself, wondering what the right call is." Vanessa steps closer, her voice low and intense. "Stop admitting that. Everyone needs their leaders to project confidence, even if

it's an act."

the ways I could fail.

takes hold, squaring my shoulders and lifting my chin. Fake it 'til

words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force them

her face. "Well, we'll be behind you, in case anything happens." Holding out her

"Here."

"Thanks."

tugging at the straps and buckles of my gear, testing the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I squirm under his scrutiny, biting back a yelp when he

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going to kill me grumble, flexing my toes against the rigid

a stare that can cut glass.

a fashion show or

"It's not about how they look. I

might be approval, but it's hard to tell when he punctuates it with a smack to my back that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him a scowl, but he's already tioning

tell you to jump, you jump.

stoic expressions. "Got it. Nice to officially meet you." They incline their heads,

Probably not.

lifetime of these kinds of

us in a silent inspection.

a stop in front of me, his eyes boring into

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Dressing

my breath.

than it feels. "Careful? Always. Besides, it'll be weird not having you around. We

his expression grows more serious. "I mean it, Ava. Be careful.

times."

to my side. This time, I'm not leaving

beneath the weight of Kellan's concern, I nod. "I will. Liam and Adam will think I'm

moment longer, searching for something, before stepping back with a sharp nod. "Good. Make sure to keep your phone on you. Don't hesitate to call for backup if anything goes wrong." He's acting like we're about to head into war. In his head, that's probably true. Still, it's hard not to feel like we're overreacting to a trip to

than be caught

can't even repeat her words out loud. Pooping in the bushes? Really? That's what you went