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

know if I trust her

happening to me 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.

12 12

Ava, A Weight

warmth of his touch

lowered lashes.

Thoughtful. Concerned. Calm.

Ever the rational alpha."

I tell Selene

for a moment. You don't

What an odd

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

over my

"Yes?"

torn. "I need you

"But that's-"

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

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

sit here while you

to take on if

alone, Ava. We are all in

asking for

know. His eyes close as he takes a deep breath,

scent of his anger has filled this room since you first started talking, 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

and rub her ears.

can have this fight anywhere,

bedroom

my lap, wet with her saliva, she saunters back to the living room, having made her

glances between us. "What's going

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

only then that I realize the effects of the food

say that to him. I should have

A Weight off

did the

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

that."

from a book, but Selene's

He's trying.

Like I am.

think

comes out unbidden, and I can't stare at his face while waiting for

that?" His hands. cover mine,

at me."

I don't.

really, really listen to my words. Ava, you're not a freak. Wolf or no wolf, I want you by 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,"

you."