Tangled

173

173

173 Ava: Hard Truths

Vanessa sighs, her hand warm and gentle against my back, rubbing in soothing circles. "Ava, understand that you can be wrong, even when you're right. Or right, even when you're wrong." A laugh bubbles up, hysterical and wild. "That makes no sense."

"You chafe under his protection. You feel caged, right?"

A quick nod. Of course. That much is obvious.

"It's okay to feel that way. It's normal, even. But is Lucas wrong to keep your safety in consideration?"

Selene sighs, bumping her head against my legs, and I tug at one of her ears. "No, of course not."

"The party was a terrible misfortune. None of us expected a

vampire attack on pack lands. For something like this to happen..." Her words trail off, and she glances away. "I don't even know how long it's been. We knew Blackwood was working with the Unregistered in some way, but to have this level of alliance is unheard of."

Hunching my shoulders, I mutter, "I never would have gone, if I'd known."

"I know." The gentle rubbing never ceases. "And Lucas didn't blame you. He doesn't blame you. He blames himself."

"But he didn't do anything wrong. It was me." Guilt gnaws at me. "I was the one who bothered him about the guards. About my freedom. I pushed to go to the party. Everything was because of

17:42

173 Ava: Hard Truths

1. me. The vampire wanted me, and now Lisa's gone."

Resting my forehead on my knees, I whisper, "I'm a plague to

everyone who cares about me. So many people are dead, and even Lisa..."

"A defeatist attitude isn't going to help you, Ava." The back rubs stop as Vanessa gets off the bed, her voice firming. "The time for wallowing is long past. You've grown stronger, and you're no longer the flinching massacre happened. Neither you or Lucas knew it would happen. It's a terrible and unfortunate situation."

"But it's my fault. What am I supposed to do?" Turning my head so my cheek is against my knees, I watch Vanessa as she stands in front of me. "It's my fault. I should have just sat at home and kept my mouths danger..."

Vanessa stares at me, one brow raised, as my words trail off.

something wrong. I can tell in her facial

demanding an answer I'm

the party without guards, risking everything for a taste of freedom, or to stay locked

when she lays

17:42

173 Ava: Hard Truths

softens, but her eyes remain unwavering. "Was there no middle ground, Ava? No way to get what you wanted

in my skull, colliding with the unyielding walls of my stubborn resolve. I want to argue, to defend my actions, but the weight of her wisdom holds

of her presence. Perhaps I pushed

how I'm moping, I do my best to meet

world. So I take a deep breath and think, letting her words soak in, pushing Lucas and his anger far from my

even to my own

tapestry woven with countless shades of gray. Do you

of course not." The answer comes easily, a truth I've always know but

17:42

123 Ava Hard Truths

possibilities that lie between?" Her question hangs in the air, a challenge I can't ignore. I close my eyes, searching for the

easier? Easier to believe I have no choice, that I'm backed into

other options, other paths I could have taken. Compromises I could have made, if only I'd been willing to look beyond my own stubborn pride. I was too determined

prove my

losing myself, of being suffocated by the constant surveillance and control. I wanted to prove that I could make my own choices, that I'm r Vanessa grabs my hand in hers, the warmth of her grasp traveling

with the softest whine. You are much stronger than you

Vanessa echoes. "But that

That doesn't mean

on v

123 Ae Yard Trich

doesn't mean you won't

desire for freedom, for autonomy, is a powerful thing. But it's important to remember I nod, blinking back the tears that threaten to spill down

we should have avoided." A flicker of sadness crosses her face. "Our alpha will always c

Like me.

Only thinking of Lisa.

been more careful, more thoughtful," I

you think you should

"Focused on how my words are causing you to feel. Not on how to fix it, or

pa's my hand gently as

17:42