Tangled

Unshift 275

Unshift 275

275 Ava: Visitors

"Ava." D

My head feels like it weighs a million pounds. My ears feel stuffed and woolly. And Kellan's hands. dragging me to my feet are like burning embers pressed against my skin.

"What?"

"You passed out."

Staring at him blankly, it takes a while for my brain to catch up to his words. "Oh. Shit. I guess that's one way to deal with stress; just let your body shut down.

Don't really recommend it.

and Kellan doesn't ask questions about my visit with Lucas, just escorts me back to the cottage a makes sure I'm taken care of. Brings lunch I don't want to eat and promises to check on me in

another hour or two.

Of course, lunch is out of the question. My stomach's too queasy for that. And until Sister Miriam and Selene return, I don't have a great way to get information on what happened to Lucas' wolf. I'm definitely not going to tell people he doesn't have one; the pack needs stability, not another

blow.

I'm not even sure Kellan knows.

I

The thought that Lucas may have trusted me with a little secret buoys my depressed spirits by a

millimeter or two.

even if he can't feel it, there's a part of him

he doesn't want to see

Fuck.

like the bill for all the time he spent waiting patiently for me, delivered express mail with cash

hot to turn it pink. It's my second shower in hours, but I can't shake the depression clinging to me like second skin. Steam fills

scrub hard, until my skin is raw and angry red, as if I can wash away the memory

It doesn't work.

the hot water runs out. Dressing in the clothes I was just wearing-they're still clean. -I

need. Just a few hours to reset my brain and maybe wake up and find this has

on the pillow, leaving them for me to discover as I flop from left to right, then from belly to back, struggling

13

275 Ava: Visitors

sleep doesn't come. Instead, there's a constant replay in my mind, of every moment of my encounter with Lucas. The confusion in his eyes. The way he spoke

legs as I flip from side to side. Minutes stretch into what feels like hours. My eyes burn with unshed tears

the door startles me from my restless attempt at sleep. Before I can respond, the door creaks

Vanessa's gentle

I'm on my

across the room and

until this moment. The solitude of the past few hours weighs on me, making Vanessa's presence a lifeline I

murmurs, rubbing soothing circles on my

"Sorry, I just... it's been a rough

she asks, "How are you holding

I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "How much

to the side before

holding

Vanessa's gaze

rises slightly as she says, "I'm so glad he's

She scribbles something quickly, then turns it so I can read: / know about

listened to. There might even be a traitor somewhere. We

unnaturally cheerful as she asks, "Did you break down crying