Tangled

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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..."

isn't going to happen in a few hours. It

Their Connection

be in

drops. Although a logical part of me already recognizes that, I can't reconcile the thought of Lisa being

not giving up, Ava. But we need to do this safely. You understand, don't

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

answer is, but I don't

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

Kellan's-"

his

sit up a little straighter, and this time the conversation ends quickly. "How

"Now."

eyes unfocused again. After a few minutes, he's back. "Your mother isn't

Mom.

about her, focused only on Sister

Their Connection

without hesitation. Never seeing her again would be the option I'd choose at any other time, but not

what she needs. We'll head to the

ask

Lucas points

health over this."

fine. I

looking torn. "I

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

with caution. "Clayton is a good friend. A good

relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really done it, and

lips, dropping a soft kiss against the back of

back from saying the words he

out to touch his face, my

Ava: Their Connection

the dark circles

the exhaustion, the toll of this

he's here with

to the insanity of

once berating me or making me feel

leans into my touch like a man starved of affection, his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out a long, slow

lean forward, brushing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. He shudders, his hand coming up to

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

a distance for so long, walls up to protect my heart. But in doing so, I've

to make this right, as much

efforts need to

Can I do that?

as he stands, the angle of

invading my warmth, his hand tugging my head

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