Tangled

76 Ava: Saved

Lucas‘ scent hits me after I’ve already tried to murder him.

An unmistakable blend of the outdoors, of amber and

campfire smoke, of something so uniquely mate that it draws me in even through the pain of our past.

It’s him. He’s here.

The knife clatters from my trembling hand as every muscle in my body goes lax with relief. I’d been so tense, coiled tight like a spring ready to snap, terrified of losing my life tonight. But now Lucas is here.

He came for me.

“Lucas,” I breathe out, hope and prayer all in one, the sound barely more than a whisper. My entire body crumples, overworked in its stress.

He’s really here. I’m not dreaming. He’s not a

hallucination. This is real. Real.

My mate.

My savior.

10:07

76 Ava: Saved Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Strong arms wrap around me, drawing me in against an embrace both hard and warm, filled with assurance

and yearning. His hands hold me as if I’m some tender, precious thing, going from my back, up to the back of my head, brushing gently against my hair. He’s dropping kisses over the top of my head, against my eyebrows, then my eyes, whispering my name in a ragged chant before crushing me to him once again.

“Ava. Ava. Sweet Ava. You’re safe now. Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you, Ava. You’re safe now.” His voice rumbles, vibrating his chest against my cheek. One hand cradles my head, the other runs soothing lines down my back.”

I want to respond. I want to ask him why he’s here. To thank him for coming. To tell him how terrified I was. To explain everything. But only a choked sob comes out as all the emotions of the last few days takes over, gripping my body in a cold–fingered grip of horror and

distress.

Tears pour down my face, soaking into the fabric of his shirt as I cling to him, as if letting him go means I can never see freedom again.

just holds me closer. “It’s alright, sweetheart. Let it out. I’m here now. No one’s going to hurt you

121

76 Ava Saved

we need to move,” a

from behind

chest, rubbing me in that soothing rhythm as I try with

need to bring with you?” Lucas asks, and

Nothing.

nothing here worth

you, Ava. We need to go fast, before

my head, blowing out a

Another breath out.

one under my legs and lifting me as though I weigh no more than

feign modesty, or worry if I’m too heavy. I just lean against him, trying to breathe

76 Ava Saved

talking over his shoulder, so I close my eyes and relax against

tangled web

then a nagging thought tugs at my consciousness, and I jerk slightly in his hold. “Wait,” I

think there’s a tracker

burner phone out of my pocket and hands it to one of the shifters accompanying us. Without blinking, the strange shifter crushes the device in his

fine mist. The scent is earthy and familiar, very neutral–seeming. “This will help conceal your scent for a while,” he explains, before handing me a

76 Ava: Saved

you by scent.”

obey without question, trusting Lucas and his team implicitly. The pill leaves a bitter taste

me that I had so much suspicion when Clayton came to my rescue, but with Lucas–despite our history–I can feel so comfortable. Comfortable enough to allow myself to

crazy like

clipped pace. Lucas leads the way, his strides purposeful and determined, and the strange shifter with the scent diffusing drugs is right behind

shadows as

above. The humid summer air is heavy with the scent of earth and foliage. Our footsteps are muffled by the soft ground, but the snapping of twigs and rustling

can’t smell a single one of

diffusers are

15:08 — .‘

5/8

<76 Ava: Saved

move as quickly as stealth allows, weaving through the trees and underbrush. Lucas never falters, his grip on me secure and unwavering. I press my face against his chest, focusing on

him I can walk, but my entire body protests at the

of the forest, putting as much distance as possible between us and the Blackwood territory. The only

hours. Lucas‘ breathing has never faltered, even while carrying me all this

there’s agony on his face as he says this, a spasm in his jaw,

enough to understand