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
with him.
middle, hugging myself as if that’ll hold all the broken pieces
Mom’s awake.
Lisa’s gone.
Vampires attacked.
get in touch with me.
be hiding in a city of
think through. To
She watches me pace, her attention distracted from her show. Why don’t you summon Sister Miriam and see if you can get
about Lucas. About the baby steps we managed
“I can’t.”
that what you wanted to do?
know.” I rake
un inside mo
ma “It’s not
16:08
3/8
Ava: Without His Knowledge…
simple.”
Because of Lucas.
perceptive for that. She sees right through me.
back onto the couch. “I don’t want to lose his trust by going behind his back. But I can’t risk Lisa’s life over
tell him
looks at me differently? What
with her nose, her fur soft against my skin. He could have
1
half–strangled to even admit
little. She’s not wrong.
despite everything. He’s nothing like my parents.
makes you happy. I want you to be happy. Selene’s words are simple, but
him my ex–fated.”
Without
bond based on fate or choice?
tip of my tongue to say fate, of course.
think back.
tugging
want
It’s just Lucas.
cares. How he came for me. How he’s
no matter how much I run
the truth deep in my heart. Our fated bond drives us together,
be with him.
chosen mate, even more
fated one.
“But what if-”
build a relationship on secrets and lies. But it’s
it feels like a betrayal to put my bond
Lisa’s life.
the wrong
it is
Without His
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