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

Their

be in

thought of Lisa being in

up, Ava. But we need to do this safely.

I can't quite meet his eyes. Having a relationship

sure what the right answer is, but I

a part of this, remember? I'm not shutting you out. I'm not stopping you from saving her. We

Kellan's-"

his

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

"Now."

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

Mom.

her, focused only on Sister

Ava Their

say without hesitation. Never seeing her again would be the option I'd choose at any other time, but not now. Not with Lisa's safety at

she needs. We'll head to the airport

I ask in

still recovering." Lucas points

health over this."

fine. I

hesitates, looking torn. "I

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

with caution.

The emphasis on the word doesn't go unnoticed, and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to

his lips, dropping a soft kiss against the back

as if he's holding himself back from

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

Their

circles

can see the exhaustion,

he's here with me,

insanity of my

berating me or making me feel

leans into my touch like a man starved of affection, his eyes. drifting closed as

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

for so long, walls up to protect my heart. But in doing so, I've hurt him too. Damaged the fragile roots

right,

efforts need to match

Can I do that?

wraps around my waist as he stands, the angle of our kiss deepening as he yanks me flush against

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

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