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
with
pace across the floor, my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
Miriam’s trying to get in touch with me.
hiding in a city
lot to think through. To
a hole through the floor. She watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can get some answers? That
About the baby steps we managed
“I can’t.”
what you
I rake a hand through my
huhhling un inside mo
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
for that. She sees right through
trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk Lisa’s
tell him
“What if he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want me anymore?”
for a long moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it, and I
She’s not wrong.
still here, despite everything. He’s nothing like my parents. My
I want you to be happy.
him
Ava: Without His
mate bond based
the tip of my tongue
think
bond insistently tugging us together, it
want to connect with him.
It’s just Lucas.
he cares. How he came for me. How
no matter how much I run from his
in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together,
to be
he is your chosen mate,
fated one.
“But what if-”
secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will
so, it feels like a betrayal to put my bond with
Lisa’s
the
half–convinced it is
Ava: Without
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