When I walk downstairs, Phoenix is hanging up the phone. It strikes how much I've changed when I realize I have no curiosity, no spark to ask who he was talking to.
I don't care.
It's either related to in a way that isn't going to be pleasant, or it will have nothing to do with . That's it. Those are the two options.
I have no urge to grow closer to the asshole who shares my genetics, so I don't ask.
Instead, I plan.
I won't be able to escape right away. I'm not even sure how I can escape. I have no money, no phone, no contact with the outside world. But now that I've been out there? Now that I've been on my own?
It doesn't seem as impossible as it did when I lived here.
If I just have a chance, I'll take it.
"So of the guys will be coming by to watch over you," Phoenix announces, coming by to sniff at . "Don't start anything. There's plenty in the fridge, so just make sothing for dinner. Don't forget that Alpha Renard is coming."
Hah. So not only have I been dragged ho, now I have to make them dinner?
No, thank you.
I ignore Phoenix to plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric slls like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I've grown to despise over the years.
Phoenix lingers nearby, his frown deepening as I lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. He's struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew out like the disappointnt I am. The other part is trying to play nice, to lull into a false sense of security for whatever twisted ga he's playing.
I don't give him the satisfaction of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and noise filling the living room.
Then, a familiar scene catches my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over-the-top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as the cara pans over his chiseled torso.
It's the sa cheesy shifter romance Selene had been obsessed with at the apartnt.
The ache in my chest sharpens as I take it all in, judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. lodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A lump forms in my throat, grief threatening to overwhelm .
On the screen, the alpha hero cups the face of his trembling oga mate, his eyes smoldering with an intensity that could set the screen on fire. "I will never choose her," he growls, his voice a deep rumble that is probably sending thousands of won across the country into a dramatic swoon. "And I will never let you go."
I nearly choke on a bitter laugh. If only my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would want another woman.
A sharp knock sounds on the door. I try not to tense as Phoenix opens the door, but my body betrays . The scent of a familiar, nausea-inducing wolf washes over , thick and musky with undertones of sweat and aggression. My heart pounds against my ribcage as if begging to be let out.
Todd Mason steps inside first, his eyes imdiately finding on the couch. A slow, predatory smile stretches across his face as he rakes his gaze over . I fight back a shudder, mories of his cruel hands on my body making my skin crawl. I can sll the tuna on his breath from here, courtesy of the tuna sandwich for he eats for lunch every day.
It's one of my least favorite slls now. I can't even think about tuna without gagging.
"Well, well," he rumbles, never taking his eyes off . "If it isn't little Ava Grey, back where she belongs."
The other two shifters flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as Phoenix turns to face them.
"Keep your hands off her unless it's absolutely necessary," he warns, his tone hard. "Alpha Renard will be here soon for dinner. I don't need any issues before then."
Mason's smile only widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever you say, Phoenix. We'll be perfect little angels."
His gaze drifts back to , and I force myself to et it head-on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can sll my discomfort no matter how much I try to hide it.
"Don't worry, princess," he drawls, taking a step closer. "We're just here to make sure you don't try to run off again. Can't have our alpha's prize getting loose, now can we?"
Phoenix shifts his stance, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "That's enough, Mason. I an it."
But Mason doesn't seem fazed. He holds my stare for a beat longer, his eyes glittering with dark promise, before finally turning away with a scoff.
"Yeah, yeah. I got it." He jerks his head at the others. "Let's get settled, boys. Looks like we're in for a fun night of babysitting."
They spread out through the living room, claiming spots on the armchairs and couch like they own the place. I curl my legs beneath , pressing back against the cushions as if I can sohow disappear into them.
Todd, of course, takes the couch. He's on the far side of it, but only a cushion separates us, and his arm is relaxed on the back of it, his fingers close enough to brush against my hair.
Phoenix shoots one last look—a silent warning to behave—before heading out the front door. As soon as he's out of sight, Mason's eyes find again, that sa cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
I take a shaky breath, wrapping my arms around myself. This was exactly what I was afraid of—being trapped here, surrounded by people who want to use , to hurt . My only solace is the knowledge that Selene is safe.
I just have to endure this, for now.
"Aren't you supposed to be making dinner?" Todd asks, and I point at the TV, trying my best to ignore how his fingers lightly graze over my shoulder. I can't shift any further away.
"I'm watching this," I say, leaving it at that.
I can see the shifters all glancing at each other, and the faint puzzled look that flashes across Todd's face.
They're not used to being this way.
It feels good.
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