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

I trust her completely,

than anyone else." Light reflects off the water in my glass, and I lower my eyes, turning the cup in circles. "I need to know more about this power. It's putt people around me in danger. I need to protect myself. I need to get Lisa back. It's something that I

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Ava, A Weight off Her

mine. The warmth of his touch is comforting, and I

lowered lashes.

Thoughtful. Concerned. Calm.

Ever the rational alpha."

a good man, I tell Selene in

for a moment. You

What an

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 put

over my hand. "I need you to promise me

"Yes?"

hesitates, looking torn. "I need you to stay away from

"But that's-"

keep you safe." Drawing my brows together, I pull my hand from

do, sweetheart. And we're going to do everything in our power to get her

here while

on if I can

not alone, Ava. We are all in this with

not asking for

as he takes a deep breath, and Selene

see your side. Do not be afraid to speak your mind, Ava. Only communication will get you out of these

and rub her ears.

this fight anywhere, but if clothes come

bedroom

lap, wet with her saliva, she saunters back to the

glances between us. "What's

I switch the channel-there's a talk show on now-to her second favorite, which is running yet another one of her shows.

the effects of the food have

have been able to say that to him. I should have blabbed

Ava, A Weight off

the effects

distracting me from that line of thought. "I appreciate you

that."

a book,

He's trying.

Like I am.

you think

stare at his face while waiting for his answer. Instead,

think that?" His hands. cover mine, stopping

at me."

I don't.

you by my side. I never should have pushed you away. I've regretted it for so long. When I

you."