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
disappears with
wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
to get in touch with me.
hiding in a city of vampires.
lot to think through. To process.
attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can get some
thinking about Lucas. About the baby steps
“I can’t.”
that what
don’t know.” I rake a hand
un inside
“It’s not that
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right through me.
onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going
tell him everything.
me differently? What if he doesn’t want me
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
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it, and I laugh
She’s not wrong.
here, despite everything. He’s nothing like my parents. My family.
want you to be happy. Selene’s
always call him
Ava: Without His
based on
of my tongue
I think
our bond insistently tugging us together, it
want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
came for me. How he’s
no matter how much I run
my heart. Our fated
to be with
mate, even more
fated one.
“But what if-”
and lies. But it’s
feels like a betrayal to put my bond with
Lisa’s
it’s the
half–convinced it is the wrong decision.
Without His
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