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.

presence flash through my mind. I open my mouth, ready to explain about

earlier.

might have a

me 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

instead, putting heavy emphasis on the last word. I meet Kellan's eyes, willing him to understand the

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

hint of a smile tugging

"Smart idea."

every face I've seen since arriving.

could the

that someone close to Lucas is

My stomach churns.

***

a long building with blacked out windows, looking desolate in the dark of

we step inside. It's like walking into another world-sterile,

It's a modern hospital.

and I find

adjust to the sudden

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the side, with several doors, all closed. The familiar smell of

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

hospital?" I ask Kellan in a hushed

been here for a long time." He taps at my shoulder, nudging me to follow him to

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

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

my lower back, guiding me forward.

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demeanor changes. The warmth vanishes, replaced by a cool professionalism that borders on frigid. "I see," she says, her tone clipped. "I'm afraid visiting hours are over for the

close and yet still out of reach. I want to scream, to demand entry, to use whatever authority being his mate grants me, but I hold

be unethical.

sounds pretty