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..."

Lisa isn't going to happen in a few

Ava. Their

be in a

logical part of me already recognizes that, I can't reconcile the thought of Lisa being in danger for that long without help. "I can't just leave

we need

quite meet his eyes. Having a relationship with Lucas is getting in

is, but I don't

would let you be a part of this, remember? I'm 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

Kellan's-"

silent, his gaze

a little straighter, and this time the conversation ends quickly. "How quickly can you be packed?"

"Now."

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

Mom.

her, focused only on Sister

Ava Their

I'd choose at any other time, but not now. Not with

up what she needs. We'll head to the

I ask

points

health over this."

"That's fine.

torn. "I should

You need to be here for your pack. You've suffered a tragedy, and they need their alpha." Reaching out,

there, too. And... Clayton." Lucas watches me with caution. "Clayton is a good friend. A

watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk

kiss against the back of it.

as if he's holding himself back from saying

to touch his face, my fingers brushing against the harsh stubble

Their

circles

can see the exhaustion,

here with me, putting me

the insanity of my

or making me

affection, his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out a long, slow

forward, brushing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. He shudders, his hand coming up to cup the back of my

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

so long, walls up to protect my heart. But in doing so, I've hurt him too. Damaged the fragile roots of what we've been growing

this right, as much as

need to

Can I do that?

waist as he stands, the angle of our kiss

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

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