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
the floor, my arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
trying to get in touch with
father might be hiding in a city of
to think through. To
show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see
about Lucas. About the
“I can’t.”
that what you
don’t know.” I rake a hand through my
un inside
“It’s not that
16:08
3/8
Without His
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right
don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I
him
at me differently? What if he
with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you a long time ago.
1
admit it, and I laugh
little. She’s not
everything. He’s nothing like my
happy. I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple,
him my
Without His Knowledge…
based on fate or choice?
of my tongue
I think back.
our bond insistently tugging us together, it
the reason I want to connect
It’s just Lucas.
How he came for me. How he’s
I run from his feelings.
truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us
to be
your chosen mate, even more than
fated one.
“But what if-”
can’t build a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I
feels like a betrayal
Lisa’s life.
it’s the
half–convinced it is the wrong decision.
Ava: Without His
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