146 Ava: Without His Knowledge…
146 Ava: Without His Knowledge…
Lucas watches me with concern and care, but all I can say is, “Oh.”
Some part of me had expected Mom to stay in a coma forever. Or die.
I didn’t think about her much. Ignoring her existence is easier than dealing with–well, everything.
“I would have to return to Blackwood in order to question her.” Every word is careful and measured, as though he’s not sure how I’m going to respond.
He doesn’t invite me to go. I’m not sure I want to. He probably realizes that.
Selene glances toward us, her ears flicking as she listens.
“I don’t think that’s the best idea. Your pack needs you here. They need to see their alpha.” I’m hesitant to speak up, but Selene’s watchful gaze gives me a little confidence. “Alpha Clayton is still there, isn’t he? I think he should lead the interrogation.”
It’s our first time saying his name between us and I
146 Ava: Without His Knowledge…
can feel Lucas‘ muscles tense.
Trying to give him a little comfort, I grab his hand, threading our fingers together. A silent message that I’m still here. That I’ve already made my choice.
My heart hurts when I realize how little I’ve really thought about the damage I’ve done to this man.
He relaxes, drawing me closer, his thumb rubbing against the back of my hand. “You’re right. I’ll call him.”
It’s amazing how warm my heart feels, knowing that I’ve given Lucas a little peace of mind, with a hint of my heart.
I’ve wasted so much time worrying about his
intentions. Worrying about being trapped in a gilded
cage.
Being brave is easier than I thought it would be.
He brings our joined hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against them. “I have to meet with Kellan and discuss everything, but I’ll keep you updated. I
promise.”
***
The front door closes with a soft click, and Lucas‘
10:06
Without His Knowledge
with him.
myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces inside of
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in
might be hiding in a city of
lot to think
her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon
thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps
“I can’t.”
what you wanted
know.” I rake a
un inside mo
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right through
lose his trust by going behind his back. But I
him
me
a long moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up
1
to even admit it, and I
She’s not
He’s nothing like my parents. My
happy. Selene’s words are simple, but
call him
Ava: Without
bond based on fate or choice?
tip of my tongue to say
I think
insistently tugging us together,
I want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came for me. How
how much I run from his
in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together,
be
he is your chosen mate,
fated one.
“But what if-”
a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s
betrayal
over Lisa’s life.
the wrong
it is
Ava: Without His Knowledge.
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