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.

my mind. I open my mouth, ready to explain about Acarus

earlier.

have

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

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

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eyebrows raise slightly, but then understanding dawns on his face. He faces forward, but I can

hint of a smile tugging

"Smart idea."

mind races, cataloging every interaction, every face I've seen since arriving. Which

the

that someone close to Lucas is working against

My stomach churns.

***

simple building. It's a long building

It's like walking into another world-sterile, bright, and utterly unlike the

It's a modern hospital.

is jarring, and I find

adjust

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the side, with several doors, all closed. The familiar smell of antiseptic has my nose

desk, in contrast, is brightly lit. A pair of double doors marked 'Staff Only' stand beyond it, showing the faint shadowy outline of people as they walk past. Even this late at night,

I ask Kellan in a hushed

taps at my shoulder, nudging me

in crisp blue scrubs sits, her fingers flying over a keyboard. She looks up as we approach, a warm smile spreading across

she greets Kellan, her voice syrupy sweet. "Alpha is sleeping at the moment. Is there something I can help

my lower back, guiding me forward. "Actually, yes. I've brought his mate to see

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an instant, her demeanor changes. The warmth vanishes, replaced by a cool professionalism that borders on frigid. "I see," she says, her tone

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

would be unethical. Rude.

if it sounds pretty good