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 His
disappears with
arms wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces inside of me
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
trying to get in
hiding in a
think through. To
floor. She watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why
about Lucas. About the baby steps
“I can’t.”
not? Isn’t that what you wanted to
rake a hand through my hair,
huhhling un inside mo
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that.
groan, sinking back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk
him everything.
“What if he looks at me
nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit it, and I
She’s not wrong.
He’s nothing like my parents.
happy. Selene’s words
call him my ex–fated.”
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
your mate bond based on fate or
the tip of my tongue to say fate, of course.
think back.
bond insistently tugging
want to connect
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came for me. How he’s been
how much I run from
Our fated bond drives us
be with him.
mate, even more than he’s
fated one.
“But what if-”
on secrets and lies. But
so, it feels like a betrayal to put my bond with
Lisa’s
the wrong decision.
it is
Without His Knowledge.
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