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
disappears with him.
arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces inside of me
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in touch with me.
hiding in
a 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?
about Lucas. About
“I can’t.”
Isn’t that what you
rake a hand through
un
“It’s not that
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right
trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk Lisa’s life over him,
him everything.
“What if he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want me anymore?”
fur soft against my skin. He could
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it,
She’s
nothing like my parents.
I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple,
him my
Without
based on fate or choice?
tip of my tongue to say
think
insistently tugging
the reason I want to connect with him.
It’s just Lucas.
he came for me. How
much I run from his feelings.
deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us
be with
chosen mate, even more than he’s your
fated one.
“But what if-”
build a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will be
it feels like a betrayal to put
over Lisa’s life.
it’s the
half–convinced it is the wrong decision.
Without His
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