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."

ways I could fail. All the lives I'm risking with every choice. How

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

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

be behind you, in case anything happens." Holding out her hand, I notice that she's holding the candle I asked

"Here."

"Thanks."

testing the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I squirm under his scrutiny, biting back a yelp when he yanks a strap

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boots are going to kill me grumble,

pauses, fixing me with a stare that

fashion show or a

not about how they look. I

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 to two other bodyguards, more of the

coming with us. Remember, if I tell you to jump, you jump. Don't stop to ask how high, and don't

shadow my every move. It's strange, finally putting names to the stoic expressions. "Got it. Nice to officially meet you." They incline their heads, professional to a fault, and I wonder if

Probably not.

lifetime of

gaze sweeping over us in a silent inspection. I stand a

in front of me, his eyes boring into

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that steals my breath. "Be careful out there,

it looks more confident than it feels. "Careful? Always. Besides, it'll be weird not having you around. We spend way too much

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

times."

take care of you, Selene chimes in, slinking to my side. This time, I'm

concern, I nod. "I will. Liam and Adam will

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

than be

can't even repeat her words out loud. Pooping in