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..."

Lisa isn't going to happen in a

Their Connection

be in

already recognizes that, I can't reconcile the thought of Lisa being in danger for that long without help. "I can't just leave her

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

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

is, but I don't

out. I'm not stopping you from saving her. We just need

Kellan's-"

goes silent, his gaze unfocused

time the conversation ends quickly.

"Now."

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

Mom.

about her, focused only

Ava Their

seeing her again would be the option I'd choose at any other

what she needs. We'll head to the airport in

ask in

recovering." Lucas points

health over this."

fine. I love

hesitates, looking torn. "I should come with

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

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

"I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really

a soft kiss against the

are strained, as if he's holding himself back from saying the words

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

Their Connection

the dark circles beneath

see the exhaustion, the

yet he's here with

insanity of my

berating me or making me

of affection, his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out a long,

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

to protect my heart. But in doing so, I've hurt him too.

need to make this right, as much

efforts need to match

Can I do that?

stands, the angle of our kiss deepening as he yanks

else, his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging my head back by my hair, gentle

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