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 him.
arms 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
father might be hiding in a city of
lot to think through.
her show.
About the baby steps we managed today.
“I can’t.”
not? Isn’t that what you wanted to do?
know.” I rake
huhhling un
ma “It’s
16:08
3/8
Without
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
not a question. Selene’s too perceptive for
back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I
tell him everything.
he looks at me differently? What if he doesn’t want
quiet for a long moment. Then she nudges my leg with her nose, her fur soft against my skin.
1
admit it, and I
She’s not
still here, despite everything. He’s nothing like my
I want you to be happy. Selene’s words
always call him my ex–fated.”
Without His
your mate bond based on
my tongue to say fate, of
think back.
bond insistently tugging us together, it
the reason I want to connect
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came for
how much I run from his feelings.
Our fated bond drives us together, but it’s not why
to be with
is your chosen mate, even more
fated one.
“But what if-”
can’t build a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s
so, it feels like a betrayal to put
over Lisa’s life.
the
is the wrong
Ava: Without His Knowledge.
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