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 Knowledge
disappears with
wrapped around my middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces inside of
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
trying to get in touch with
might be hiding in a city
to think through.
her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can
about Lucas. About
“I can’t.”
what you
don’t know.” I rake
huhhling un inside
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
not a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees
his trust by going behind his
him everything.
at me differently?
nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have given up on you a long time ago.
1
sounds half–strangled to even admit
She’s not
despite everything. He’s nothing
makes you happy. I want you to be happy.
him my
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
mate bond based on
tip of my tongue to say
think back.
bond insistently tugging us together,
reason I want to
It’s just Lucas.
came for me.
no matter how much I run from his
I decide, feeling the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us
to be
your chosen mate, even more
fated one.
“But what if-”
on secrets and lies. But it’s your
like a betrayal to put my bond with
Lisa’s life.
the
actually half–convinced it is the wrong decision.
Without His
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