Tangled

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265 Ava: The Receptionist

265 Ava: The Receptionist

It isn't until we're walking that I realize still I don't hear Selene in my head. Her presence hasn't filled its

space.

I was so focused on Lucas that I forgot my own damn wolf. That's terrifying, in a way.

"Didn't you say Selene's here?"

"She was." He glances at me in the dim moonlight. "She's been coming and going a lot. Can't you talk to her?" He appears confused; I guess no one's

specifically told him that Selene and I can't contact each other over long distances.

"No."

"Oh." He's quiet as he processes that. "So you just... can't talk to your wolf?"

I shrug. "She's her own person. I guess it's because she isn't in my body."

Kellan makes an odd sort of noise in his throat. I glance at him in concern. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he says, shaking his head. "Your bond

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with Selene is just strange. Communication isn't equal among wolves-some can have full conversations, some don't-but you're another level."

Ah. Yeah, it is weird. It's become such a normal part of my life, though. "Yeah." To me, it's strange to think

someone has a wolf and can't talk to them.

"How did you know to come here if you don't speak

with Selene?" Kellan asks.

strange friendliness and otherworldly presence flash through my mind. I open my mouth,

earlier.

have a

like a sudden downpour, and I snap my mouth shut. We don't know who it is or if they're still here in this compound. Every word we say can potentially reach the wrong ears. My throat

explain later," I say instead, putting heavy emphasis on the last word. I meet Kellan's

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understanding dawns on his face. He

a smile tugging at the

"Smart idea."

cataloging every interaction, every face I've seen since arriving. Which is only about six of

the traitor

that someone close to Lucas is working against

My stomach churns.

***

a long building with blacked out windows,

as we step inside. It's like walking into another world-sterile, bright, and utterly

It's a modern hospital.

jarring, and I find myself

to adjust

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stretches to the side, with several doors, all closed. The

stand beyond it, showing the faint shadowy outline of people as they walk past. Even this late at night, it's good to know there are people around to take care of the

this a real hospital?" I ask Kellan in a hushed

here for a long time." He taps at my shoulder, nudging me

human woman in crisp blue scrubs sits, her fingers flying over a keyboard. She looks up as we approach, a

syrupy sweet. "Alpha is sleeping at the moment. Is

settles on my lower back, guiding me forward. "Actually, yes. I've brought his

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demeanor changes. The warmth vanishes, replaced by a cool professionalism that

so close and yet still out of reach. I want to scream, to demand entry, to use whatever authority being his

would be

if it sounds pretty good right