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.

Ava. Their Connection

in a few

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

But we need to do this safely. You

I just don't agree with it. Knowing that, I can't quite meet his eyes. Having

what the right answer is, but I don't like the options.

you out. I'm not stopping you from saving her.

Kellan's-"

his gaze

ends quickly. "How quickly can you be packed?" he asks, sounding

"Now."

After a few minutes, he's back. "Your

Mom.

about her, focused only on Sister

Their

option I'd choose at any other time, but not

she needs. We'll head to the airport in

ask

recovering." Lucas points out.

health over this."

fine. I love

hesitates, looking torn. "I should come

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

And... Clayton." Lucas watches me with caution. "Clayton is a good friend. A good

doesn't go unnoticed, and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too.

a soft kiss against the back of

holding himself back from saying the words he really wants

I reach out to touch his face, my fingers

Ava: Their Connection

the dark circles beneath his

exhaustion, the toll of this

with

the insanity of

me or making me feel less

affection, his eyes. drifting closed as he lets out

kiss. He shudders, his hand

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

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

this right, as much as

need

Can I do that?

angle of our kiss deepening as he yanks me

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

517