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 him.
my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in touch
be hiding in a
think through. To
attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can get
pause mid–step, thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps we managed today.
“I can’t.”
that what
I rake a hand through
huhhling un
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
Selene’s too perceptive for that. She
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
tell him everything.
he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want me
is quiet for a long moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you a long time ago.
1
half–strangled to even admit it,
She’s not
here, despite everything. He’s nothing like
I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple,
him my
Without His Knowledge…
bond based on fate or
on the tip of my tongue to
I think back.
our bond insistently tugging us
want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
he came for me. How
no matter how much I
in my heart. Our
to be with him.
chosen mate,
fated one.
“But what if-”
But it’s
like a betrayal to put my bond with
over Lisa’s
the wrong
it is
Without His Knowledge.
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