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.
myself
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get
be hiding in a
a lot to think
distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can get some answers?
mid–step, thinking about Lucas. About the baby
“I can’t.”
what you
No. I don’t know.” I rake a hand through
un inside mo
“It’s
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees
sinking back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t
him
voice cracks. “What if he looks at me differently? What if
moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could
1
admit it, and I
She’s
despite everything. He’s nothing
to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but my heart
call him my
Ava: Without
bond based
the tip of my tongue to
I think back.
our bond insistently tugging us together, it
want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
How he came for me. How he’s been
matter how much I run from
Our fated bond drives us
to be with
mate, even more than
fated one.
“But what if-”
on secrets and lies. But
like a betrayal to put my
Lisa’s life.
it’s the wrong decision.
actually half–convinced it is
Without His
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