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 His
with him.
my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces inside
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
trying to get in touch with me.
in a
to think
wear 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 might help
about Lucas. About the baby
“I can’t.”
what you wanted to do?
No. I don’t know.” I rake a hand through my hair,
un inside
ma “It’s not that
16:08
3/8
Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
too perceptive for that. She sees right
back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I
tell him everything.
he looks at me differently? What if he
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
1
even admit
little. She’s not
He’s nothing like my parents. My
you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but
call him my ex–fated.”
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
based
of my tongue to say fate,
I think back.
our bond insistently tugging us together,
the reason I want
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came
much I run from his feelings.
Our fated bond drives us together, but
to be
he is your chosen mate, even more than
fated one.
“But what if-”
and lies. But it’s your choice. I will be
so, it feels like a betrayal to
Lisa’s
the
is
Ava: Without His
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