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
Ava: Without His Knowledge
disappears with
middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in touch with
hiding in a city
a lot to think through. To process.
watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t
mid–step, thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps we
“I can’t.”
Isn’t that what you wanted
No. I don’t know.” I rake a
un inside
“It’s not
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees
sinking back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk Lisa’s life over
him
cracks. “What if he looks at me differently? What if he
she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin.
1
half–strangled to even admit it, and I
little. She’s
despite everything. He’s nothing like my parents.
happy. I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but
always call him my
Without His Knowledge…
your mate bond based on fate or choice?
on the tip of my tongue to say fate,
I think back.
insistently tugging us together,
the reason I want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
came for me. How he’s been
I run
I decide, feeling the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together,
be
your chosen mate,
fated one.
“But what if-”
secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will be here, regardless.
it feels like a betrayal to
over Lisa’s
the
actually half–convinced it is
Ava: Without His
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