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

Their

in a few

reconcile the thought of Lisa being in danger for that long without help.

up, Ava. But we need to do this

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

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

remember? I'm not shutting you out. I'm not stopping you from saving her. We just need to take

Kellan's-"

silent, his gaze unfocused

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

"Now."

his eyes unfocused again. After a few minutes, he's back.

Mom.

forgotten about her,

Their Connection

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

Vanessa's packing up what she needs. We'll head to the airport in about an

ask in

Lucas points out. "I'm not risking

health over this."

"That's fine.

hesitates, looking torn. "I should come with

and they

with caution. "Clayton

shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk

my hand to his lips, dropping a soft kiss against the back of it. "Come back to

if he's holding himself back from saying the

between us, I reach out to touch his face, my fingers brushing against

Their Connection

circles beneath

can see the exhaustion, the toll

with me,

insanity of

or making

starved of affection, his eyes. drifting closed as

gentle kiss. He shudders, his hand

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

kept him at a distance for so long, walls up to protect my heart. But in

to make this right, as much

need to match

Can I do that?

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

his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my

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