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
pace across the floor, my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in
in a
to think through. To
going to wear a hole through the floor. She watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam
mid–step, thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps we
“I can’t.”
not? Isn’t that what you wanted
No. I don’t know.” I rake a hand
un inside mo
ma “It’s not
16:08
3/8
Without His Knowledge…
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right through
the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk
tell him
at me differently? What
my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you a long time
1
even admit it, and I
little. She’s not wrong.
nothing like my
happy. I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but my heart fills.
call him
Without
based on fate
on the tip of my tongue to
I think back.
bond insistently tugging us
the reason I want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
he cares. How he came for
no matter how much I run from his
heart. Our fated bond
be
is your chosen mate, even more than he’s your
fated one.
“But what if-”
on secrets and lies. But it’s
so, it feels like a betrayal to
over Lisa’s
the wrong decision.
is the wrong decision.
Ava: Without His
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