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 Knowledge
disappears with
across the floor, my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
trying to get in touch with me.
be hiding in a city
a lot to think through. To
to 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
Lucas. About the baby steps we managed
“I can’t.”
not? Isn’t that what you wanted to do?
No. I don’t know.” I rake a hand
huhhling un inside
“It’s not that
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that.
onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But
tell him
he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want
her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you a long
1
even admit
She’s
despite everything. He’s nothing like
be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but my
always call him my ex–fated.”
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
your mate bond based on fate
on the tip of my tongue to
think back.
our bond insistently tugging us together,
reason I want to connect
It’s just Lucas.
came
I run from his feelings.
I decide, feeling the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together, but it’s not why I
be
mate, even
fated one.
“But what if-”
lies. But it’s
it feels like a betrayal
over Lisa’s life.
it’s the wrong decision.
it is the wrong decision.
Ava: Without
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