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.

can't feel it, there's a part of him wanting to

if he doesn't want to see

Fuck.

waiting patiently for me, delivered express mail with cash on delivery. Now it's my

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

is raw and angry red, as if I can wash away the memory of Lucas staring at me

It doesn't work.

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

my brain and maybe wake up and find this has all been some

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

constant replay in my mind, of every moment of my encounter with Lucas. The confusion in his eyes. The way he spoke like none of our history involved

my legs as I flip from side to side. Minutes

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

gentle voice

I'm on my

in an instant, practically flying across the room and

I needed human contact until this moment. The solitude of the past

she murmurs, rubbing soothing circles

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

face is grim as she asks, "How are you holding

voice barely above a whisper.

dart to the side before meeting mine again.

nod, holding

Vanessa's gaze

as she says, "I'm so glad he's doing well. Such a relief

brow until she pulls a small notebook from her pocket. She scribbles something quickly, then turns it so I

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

as she asks, "Did you break down crying out of sheer relief in the hallway? I