Tangled

86 Ava: Missed Timing

86 Ava: Missed Timing

The warmth of our linked fingers burn my skin with a thousand unspoken accusations that prickle at my

conscience.

“I didn’t stop looking. I had scouts in the area, keeping an eye on your father’s home as much as they could, but we’ve historically had a problem keeping any scouts alive in Blackwood territory. We escalated the issues we had, brought our problems to Council, trying

to escalate the situation so we could infiltrate. It took S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

a long time before we got the evidence we needed. I hated it, but I couldn’t risk a war with the Council without anything to back up my actions.”

As Lucas recounts his efforts to find me, I can’t help but tune out, stressing over the seerets that I never

felt were secrets at the time.

Now, with this fragile peace between us–after he’s sacrificed in order to save me…

It seems like a pretty fucking shitty move to say nothing, no matter how innocent it was.

I should tell him. I know I should.

86 Ava: Missed Timing

But the words catch in my throat, tangled with a web of emotions I can’t seem to untangle. How will he react when he learns that I sought refuge from my heat with another alpha? Will he see it as a betrayal? A violation

of our fated bond?

When Selene and I spoke, it seemed so simple. He rejected me, so he has no right to be upset.

Now?

With his fingers linked through mine?

With me, alive, here, in his territory?

The thought of losing his trust, of shattering the fragile. connection that’s blooming between us, fills me with dread. And yet, keeping secrets from him feels like a disservice to what he’s done for me.

I take a deep breath, steeling my resolve. “Lucas, there’s something I need to tell you about-”

the sudden sound shattering the moment like a rock through a

frowns, glancing at the screen. “Shit. It’s Kellan. Hold on,

in

11 22

C

Ava Missed

breaks my heart.

force a smile. “Of

call, I can’t help but berate myself for taking

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

is going to end up being a cancer that

isn’t hard. Hey, Lucas, I happen to have an insane heat and I kind

in hard

See?

Easy.

to my chest, I rest my forehead against them and breathe long,

everything. Lucas will understand. This isn’t going to be a repeat of the night of the Gala. He won’t think you’re disgusting. He

be accepted for

It’s okay, Ava.

327

Ava: Missed Timing

going to be

controlled breathing. I settle into the silence with my eyes closed, concentrating on the rhythm of oxygen filling my

breath stinks. That would be

hand brushing against my

hair

first, my body tenses, until it catches up to my brain and the welcome scent

I’m safe.

It’s just Lucas.

happen to me here.

gentle that my heart aches, and I curse my past self for taking our connection so lightly. Granted, the man rejected me, and how was I supposed

naale

alpha from a different naok

13 27

<

Missed Timing

me to

safe. Damn. I didn’t think

phone call in… after I let Lucas

my life. I am not prepared. Not trained. I haven’t read

he murmurs, his brows furrowing with concern. I guess my panic is showing.