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..."

to happen in a few hours. It

Their

be in a

part of me already recognizes that, I can't reconcile the thought of Lisa being in

But we need to do this safely. You understand,

agree with it. Knowing that, I can't quite meet his eyes. Having a relationship with Lucas is

answer is, but I don't like the options. he's giving

of this, remember? I'm not shutting you out. I'm not stopping you from saving her. We just need to take it one

Kellan's-"

his gaze unfocused

this time the conversation ends quickly. "How

"Now."

few minutes, he's back. "Your mother isn't talking. She won't until she sees

Mom.

her, focused only

Their Connection

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

you would. Vanessa's packing up what she needs. We'll head to

ask

points out. "I'm

health over this."

enough. "That's fine. I love

looking torn. "I

suffered a tragedy, and they need their alpha."

Lucas watches me with caution. "Clayton is a

"I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really

soft kiss against the back of

himself back from saying the

around the table between us, I reach out to touch his face, my fingers brushing against the harsh stubble

Their

circles

can see the exhaustion,

he's here with me, putting

the insanity of

berating me or making me feel

touch like a man starved of affection, his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out a

my lips against his in a gentle kiss.

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

in doing so, I've hurt him too. Damaged the fragile roots of

this right, as much

need to match

Can I do that?

wraps around my waist as he stands, the angle of our kiss

his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging my head back by my hair,

517