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 moment like a

“Shit. It’s Kellan. Hold on, Ava,

in a casual intimacy

11 22

C

Ava Missed

breaks my heart.

“Of course. Go ahead.”

away to answer the call, I can’t help but berate myself for taking too

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

up being

I happen to have an insane heat

in

See?

Easy.

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

be a repeat of the night of the Gala. He won’t think you’re disgusting. He won’t think you’re a

still be accepted for who you are.

It’s okay, Ava.

327

Ava: Missed

going to be fine.

settle into the silence with my eyes closed, concentrating on the rhythm of oxygen

wonder if my breath stinks. That would be embarrassing. I should

a hand brushing against

hair

peace. At first, my body tenses, until it catches up to my

I’m safe.

It’s just Lucas.

to happen

against my knees and glance up at Lucas. His face is so 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 to know that he’d rescue me

naale

my virginity to an alpha

13 27

<

Ava Missed Timing

alpha who wants me to stay his mate.

no idea I’m safe. Damn.

get a phone call in… after I let Lucas know of his existence.

was not equipped for this level of romantic entanglement in my life. I am not prepared. Not trained. I haven’t read

furrowing with concern. I guess my