Tangled

153

153

153 Ava: A Weight off Her Shoulders

This isn't so bad, right?1 ask Selene, buoyed by the gentle smile on Lucas' face,

At first I thought it was a facade to hide his anger, but he doesn't

once lash out.

Doesn't berate me.

Doesn't yell.

Just nods. Smiles. Listens.

And accepts it all.

Right, Selene says, but she sounds evasive.

So when Lucas hands me a glass of water and nudges me to sit at the table across from him, I do without hesitation.

"Okay," he finally says, leaning over the table to stare into my eyes. "Lay it on me."

He sounds a little like he's bracing himself. I can't blame him. I am,

too.

I take a deep breath. "I'm not a normal shifter."

He nods slowly. "We've established this."

I inhale sharply, searching for the right words. How do I explain something I barely understand myself? The power within me is like the wind; it exists, and occasionally makes itself known, but I can't search for it "I have some kind of magical aptitude," I finally say, meeting Lucas'

153 Ava; A Weight off Her Shoulders

gaze. "But I need training to control it. Without proper guidance, it could be dangerous."

Lucas stares at me, his brow furrowed. The silence stretches

between us, heavy with unspoken questions.

"What do you mean by magical aptitude, Ava?" His voice is steady, but I can sense the underlying concern.

The weight of my own ignorance is crushing, and I can only shrug. "I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. All I know is that there's a power inside me, and it's not like anything I've ever known. You saw it, too. The r His eyes narrow as he thinks back. "Your running. We assumed it was some sort of side effect from your dormant wolf."

Motioning toward Selene, I say, "She wasn't dormant. Our bond is different."

I take a deep breath, cautiously optimistic by his measured. responses. "I don't know enough about this, but Sister Miriam knows. She's going to connect me with a teacher so I can learn to control it." Lucas leans back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "And trust this Sister Miriam?"

you

don't know if I

the cup in circles. "I need

12 12

Weight off

hand covering mine. The warmth of his touch is comforting, and I peek at his face

lowered lashes.

Thoughtful. Concerned. Calm.

Ever the rational alpha."

I

moment. You

an odd

he's a good man, Ava. She doesn't sound like she's choking over the words anymore, but there's something there that I can't quite

tensing for a moment over my

"Yes?"

you to stay away

"But that's-"

now. Just until Kellan and I can look into this a little more. To keep you safe." Drawing my brows together, I pull my hand

I do, sweetheart. And we're going to do

here while you look into

to take on if I can get even one step closer to

not alone, Ava. We are all in this with

not asking for

he takes a deep breath, and Selene pipes

and yet he is still trying to see your side. Do not be afraid to speak your mind, Ava. Only communication will get you out of these muddy v Selene's cold nose touches

and rub her ears.

shows on the couch. You two can have this fight anywhere, but if clothes come off,

bedroom

remote in my lap, wet with her saliva, she

between us.

her second favorite, which is

only then that I realize the

to say that to him. I

Ava, A Weight

the effects

though you can't talk to me," he says hesitantly, distracting me from that line of thought. "I appreciate you opening up to me, and I want you to

that."

a book, but Selene's

He's trying.

Like I am.

do you think

and I can't stare at his face while waiting for his answer. Instead, I

not. Ava, why would you think that?" His hands. cover mine,

at me."

I don't.

my side. I never should have pushed you away. I've regretted it for so long. When I looked int "I was already running away," I mutter.

you."