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 a few

Ava. Their

in a

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

we need to do this safely. You understand, don't

can't quite meet his eyes.

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 just need to take it one step at a time, and not rush

Kellan's-"

his

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

"Now."

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

Mom.

forgotten about her, focused only

Their Connection

the option I'd choose at any other

Vanessa's packing up what she needs. We'll head to the

ask in

points out. "I'm not

health over this."

"That's fine. I love

looking torn. "I should

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

too. And... Clayton." Lucas watches me with caution. "Clayton

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

lips, dropping a soft kiss against the back

if he's holding himself back from saying the

I reach out to touch his face, my fingers brushing against the harsh stubble on

Their Connection

dark circles beneath

see the exhaustion, the toll of this

here with

the insanity

me or making

like a man starved of affection, his eyes. drifting closed

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

Tender. Sweet. Peaceful.

A moment for lovers.

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

this right, as much as

efforts need

Can I do that?

the angle of our kiss

tongue invading my warmth, his hand tugging my

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