Tangled

Chapter 146

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

with

middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces

Mom’s awake.

Lisa’s gone.

Vampires attacked.

trying to get in

might be hiding in a city of vampires.

think through. To

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

“I can’t.”

what you

don’t know.” I rake a hand through my

huhhling un inside

ma “It’s not that

16:08

3/8

Without

simple.”

Because of Lucas.

question. Selene’s too perceptive for that.

back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind

tell him everything.

voice cracks. “What if he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want me anymore?”

a long moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up

1

admit

She’s not

here, despite everything. He’s nothing like my parents. My family.

I want you to be happy. Selene’s words

call him my

Ava: Without

bond based on fate

tip of my tongue to say fate, of course. But

I think

insistently tugging

I want

It’s just Lucas.

came

I run

decide, feeling the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together, but it’s not why I

be with

your chosen mate, even more than he’s your

fated one.

“But what if-”

on secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will be

it feels like a betrayal to put my bond

over Lisa’s life.

it’s the wrong decision.

actually half–convinced it is the wrong

Ava: Without

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