Tangled

110 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (III)

Lucas’s shoulders stiffen, and he turns to look at the

healer with a frown. “Still no answers?” he asks, his voice rough with disuse.

Vanessa sighs, her expression sympathetic. “I’m sorry, Alpha. We’re doing everything we can.”

Lucas nods curtly and turns back to Ava, his brow furrowed in thought. Vanessa catches my eye over his shoulder and gives me a subtle shake of her head.

At first, I’m confused. But then it hits me–she must be trying to tell me that Ava isn’t pregnant. A wave of relief washes over me, followed immediately by a pang of guilt. I shouldn’t be happy about this, not when Ava is still lying there unresponsive.

But at least it’s one less thing to worry about. One less complication in an already tangled web.

I slump back in my chair, suddenly exhausted. It’s been a long day, and the emotional roller coaster has taken. its toll. I close my eyes, just for a moment, and let the steady rhythm of Ava’s heartbeat lull me into a light

doze.

1/6

110 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (1)

I’m not sure how much time passes before I’m startled awake by a soft knock at the door. Vanessa pokes her head in, her expression apologetic.

“Sorry to disturb you,” she says, keeping her voice low. “But I thought you might want to know–Kellan just arrived with Ava’s dog.”

I sit up straighter, blinking the sleep from my eyes.

“Selene’s here?”

her out in the waiting room. I can bring

glance over at Lucas, gauging his reaction. He’s still staring at Ava, but I can see the tension

he’s not protesting.

I say, since he

I’m not sure if

and

210

C

Ava’s Absence (1)

that breaks

anyone can react, Selene lunges forward, nearly yanking the leash out

paws slipping on the crisp white sheets as she tries to get closer to Ava. Lucas starts to rise from his chair, his hand outstretched to shoo

a live wire. “I think… I think it might

heart stutter in my chest. Oh God. What have I done? The look on his face… it’s like he’s barely holding himself back from tearing me apart.

can’t back down now. Not when Ava needs me.

grip tightening on his wrist even as

let

a moment Lear

I

Lisa: Ava’s

tightly I’m afraid

he raises his free hand, and

it never

Ava’s unconscious form, her hackles raised and her lips pulled back in a snarl. And she’s not just protecting Ava–she’s protecting me too,

so thick I can barely breathe. Lucas and Selene stare each other down, husky to wolf.

and for a second, I’m sure he’s going to lunge

then, miraculously, he takes a step back. His eyes never leave Selene’s, but he lowers his hand, his fingers uncurling

his

dog can stay. For now.”