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
disappears with
hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
to get in touch
be hiding in
think through. To process.
through the floor. She watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and
thinking about Lucas. About the baby
“I can’t.”
what you wanted to do?
I don’t know.” I rake a hand through
un inside
“It’s
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees
onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind
him
at me differently? What if
my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it, and I
little. She’s not
despite everything. He’s nothing
makes you happy. I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but
call him
Ava: Without His
based on fate or choice?
the tip of my tongue to say fate, of course. But
think
bond insistently tugging us together,
reason I want to connect with
It’s just Lucas.
he cares. How he came for
much I run
the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together, but it’s
be
mate, even more than he’s
fated one.
“But what if-”
lies. But it’s your choice. I will be here,
like a betrayal to put
Lisa’s
it’s the wrong
is the wrong
Ava: Without His
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