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..."

to happen in

Their

in a

drops. Although a logical part of me already recognizes that, I can't reconcile the thought of

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

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

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

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 a time, and not rush

Kellan's-"

his

straighter, and this time the conversation ends quickly. "How quickly can you be packed?" he asks, sounding

"Now."

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

Mom.

completely forgotten about her,

Their

option I'd choose at

packing up what she needs.

I ask in

recovering." Lucas points out.

health over this."

"That's fine.

torn. "I should come

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

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

a good friend." The emphasis on the word doesn't go unnoticed, and I watch his shoulders relax slightly. "I need to talk to Clayton, too. About us.

a soft kiss against the back of

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

between us, I reach out to touch his face,

Ava: Their

dark circles

the exhaustion, the

he's here with

the insanity of

me or making

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

aches as I lean forward, brushing my lips against his in a gentle kiss. He shudders, his hand coming up to cup the back of my head with

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

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

this right, as much as

efforts need to match

Can I do that?

angle of our kiss deepening as he yanks me flush against

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

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