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 him.
hugging myself as
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in touch with me.
hiding in
lot to think through.
attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you
about Lucas. About the baby steps
“I can’t.”
not? Isn’t that what you wanted to
rake a hand through my
huhhling un
“It’s not
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
a question. Selene’s too perceptive for that. She sees right through me.
by going
him
“What if he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t
nose, her fur
1
to even admit it,
She’s not wrong.
everything. He’s nothing like my
be happy. Selene’s words are
him my
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
based on fate or
my tongue to say fate, of course. But
think back.
our bond insistently tugging us
reason I want to
It’s just Lucas.
came for me.
no matter how much I
Our fated bond drives
be with him.
mate, even more than
fated one.
“But what if-”
build a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s your choice. I will be
a betrayal to put my bond with
over Lisa’s
it’s the wrong decision.
half–convinced it is the wrong
Without His Knowledge.
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