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

Ava. Their

in a

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

Ava. But we need to do this safely. You understand,

I just 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 my best

answer is, but I don't like the

not stopping

Kellan's-"

goes silent, his gaze

conversation ends quickly. "How quickly can you be packed?" he

"Now."

few minutes, he's back. "Your mother isn't talking. She won't

Mom.

forgotten about her, focused only on Sister

Ava Their

her again would be the option I'd choose at any other time, but not now. Not with

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

I ask

Lucas points out. "I'm not

health over this."

"That's fine. I love

hesitates, looking torn. "I should come with

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

me with

slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us. I haven't really done it, and he deserves

lips, dropping a soft kiss

himself back from saying the words he

his face, my fingers brushing against the harsh stubble

Their Connection

dark circles

see the exhaustion, the toll of this

with

insanity of

or

his

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

a distance for so long, walls up to protect my heart. But in doing so, I've hurt him too.

right, as much as

efforts need to

Can I do that?

as he stands, the angle of our kiss

something else, his mouth slanting against mine, his tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging my head back

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