Tangled

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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..."

going to happen in a few hours.

Ava. Their Connection

be in a few

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

not giving up, Ava. But we need to do this

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

not sure what the right answer is, but I don't like the

promised you I 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

Kellan's-"

silent, his gaze unfocused

and this time the conversation ends quickly. "How quickly can you be

"Now."

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

Mom.

her, focused only

Ava Their Connection

go," I say without hesitation. Never seeing her again would be the option I'd choose

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

ask in

Lucas points out. "I'm not

health over this."

fine. I love

looking torn. "I should

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

Lucas watches me with

word doesn't go unnoticed, and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really done it, and he deserves a face-to-

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

back from saying the words he really wants

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

Ava: Their

circles

see the exhaustion, the toll

here with me, putting me

to the insanity of

once berating me or making me

a man starved of affection, his

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

in doing so, I've hurt him too.

to make this right, as much as he

need to

Can I do that?

the angle of our kiss deepening as he

his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging

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