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.
the floor, my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in
in a city of vampires.
a lot to think
her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t
pause mid–step, thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps we
“I can’t.”
what you wanted to do?
don’t know.” I rake a hand
un
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right through me.
to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk Lisa’s life over him, either.”
him
at me differently? What if he doesn’t want
her fur soft against my skin. He could
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it, and I
little. She’s not wrong.
nothing like my parents. My family.
to be happy.
always call him my ex–fated.”
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
mate bond based on fate or
the tip of my tongue to say fate, of
think back.
our bond insistently tugging us together, it
want to connect
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came for me. How he’s been
how much I
feeling the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives
be with
your chosen mate, even more
fated one.
“But what if-”
secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will
feels like a betrayal to put my bond
Lisa’s life.
it’s the wrong decision.
is
Without
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