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 a few hours. It

Ava. Their Connection

in a few

thought of

giving up, Ava. But we need to

that, I can't quite meet his eyes. Having a relationship with Lucas is getting in the way

is, but I

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.

"Now."

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

Mom.

her, focused

Ava Their Connection

Never seeing her again would be the option I'd choose at any other time, but not now.

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

ask

still recovering." Lucas points

health over this."

enough. "That's fine.

looking torn. "I

here for your pack. You've suffered a tragedy, and they need their alpha." Reaching out, I grab his hand. "Send Kellan with me. He'll keep me

And... Clayton." Lucas watches me with caution.

and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too.

lips, dropping a soft kiss against

if he's holding himself back from saying the

out to touch his face, my fingers brushing against

Ava: Their

the dark circles

see the exhaustion, the toll

here with

insanity of my

or making

his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

to protect my heart. But in doing

make this right,

need to

Can I do that?

waist as he stands, the angle

sweet moment slides into something else, his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging my

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