Tangled

154

154

154 Ava: Their Connection (1)

My face falls, but he reaches out, cupping my cheek with one warm hand. "I'm furious that you put yourself in danger. That's all." Well, that's fair.

But I'd do it again. In a heartbeat. No matter what he thinks.

His eyes narrow. "You're thinking that you'd do it again, aren't you?" Suspicion laces his voice.

Maybe avoiding the question is better than answering it. "Where do we go from here?"

"With what?" His thumb rubs over my cheek, his golden eyes dark as he watches me.

"Everything. Lisa. The vampires. My powers."

He sighs. "I don't know. It's a lot to think about."

When his hand drops from my face, I'm disappointed by the absence of his warmth. Still, I try to focus on what's important. "Have you ever heard of the Mad Prince before?"

"No." Lucas frowns. "Unfortunately, we don't know a lot about vampires and the Unregistered cities. A few basic things, but we've become complacent in the overall peace of the world. I'm going to have to fix tha

"How?"

His head shakes slightly, and his eyes look a little unfocused. He's probably talking to Kellan through the pack link again, so I wait patiently for him to finish.

12.17

154 Ava. Thoir Connection (1)

"It's dangerous to send scouts to the Unregistered city," he murmurs. "Few make it back alive."

His words are a shock, and my hands grow cold. I understand that I'm a little sheltered, but I've watched enough human news to know a few things. I had no idea the relationship with vampires was that fraught. "There are humans who live in the Unregistered cities. Plenty of people come and go through them-they are a modern city like any other. Internet, stores, cars. But they don't welcome most shifters."

I hesitate, thinking back on my conversation with Sister Miriam. "It sounds like they do some business with rogue wolves."

"Yes." He frowns. "That doesn't help us, though."

No, but if I work with Sister Miriam...

But by the look on Lucas' face, I don't think that's going to be an option in his mind.

Of course not.

Isn't Selene supposed to be watching TV?

I can still hear you two, you know.

"Ava." His voice grabs my attention, as he grips my hands tightly. "I need you to promise me that you aren't going to see Sister Miriam without talking to me first."

"Lucas..."

in

Ava. Their Connection

in a

can't reconcile the thought of Lisa

giving up, Ava. But we need to do this safely. You understand,

Knowing that, I can't quite meet his

the right answer is, but I don't like the

not shutting you out. I'm not stopping you from saving her. We just need to take it one step at a time, and not rush ourselves.

Kellan's-"

his gaze unfocused

the conversation ends quickly. "How quickly can you be packed?" he

"Now."

few minutes, he's back. "Your mother

Mom.

her, focused only on Sister

Their Connection

I say without hesitation. Never seeing her again would be the option I'd choose at any other time, but

up what she needs. We'll

ask

recovering." Lucas points out. "I'm not risking

health over this."

enough. "That's fine. I

looking torn. "I should

a tragedy, and they need their alpha."

watches me with caution.

doesn't go unnoticed, and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really done it,

his lips, dropping a soft kiss against

himself back from saying the words he really wants to

to touch his

Their Connection

the dark circles beneath

the exhaustion, the

yet he's here with me,

the insanity

berating me or making me

like a man starved of affection, his eyes.

lean forward, brushing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. He

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

my heart. But in doing so, I've hurt him too. Damaged the fragile

this right, as much as he

efforts need

Can I do that?

my waist as he stands, the angle of our kiss deepening as

else, his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging

517