Tangled

183

183

1. 183 Ava: Jericho's Acceptance

Since neither shifter seems very interested in talking, I sit with only my thoughts for company.

Even Selene is silent in my head, though she rests her chin on my leg, her eyes deceptively closed.

She's not asleep, but still dealing with whatever demons are inside of her right now.

Both guards tense as Selene's ears flick around.

Someone's coming, she says, lifting her head to stare at the door. When both guards relax after that distracted look from them linking with someone, she does too, despite sniffing at the air. Jericho, she says, as the door opens and his grizzled head pokes into the room.

Jericho glances around, looking at both guards with clear contempt, before nodding to me. "Girl," he says gruffly.

in

My lips twitch into a faint smile, an unexpected warmth blooming

my chest at his informal address. At least one thing hasn't changed. He still treats me the same, even after everything that's happened.

"Wait outside," Jericho orders the two ill-at-

ease shifters, jerking his head toward the door. They hesitate for a moment, exchanging an uncertain look, but a single raised eyebrow from Jericho has them scurrying out of the room. The door closes with a soft click, and Jerich

Jes

Acceptanés

back to me. "How're you doing? Feeling okay?"

I open my mouth, ready to assure him that I'm fine, but the words lodge in my throat. Am

the vampire attack, and all the little truths Vanessa has

about it doesn't seem right,

to sense my inner turmoil. He sighs, running a hand over his stubbled

I haven't been called that

few times, but I

been around long enough to see countless pups stumble and fall. Done it myself, in fact." "Yourself?" It's hard to imagine him, a

he even had

cantankerous, yelling at innocent

like the look in your eyes now.

His assessment comes as a surprise

embarrassed by how

not so long ago.

Blinded by peace.

training" I mutter, rubbing Selene's head. She's already lowered her head and closed her eyes again, leaving me to Jericho's presence alone.

I don't have the energy to rise to

mean by that?"

room in short, slow strides. It takes a little time for me to realize he's inspecting everything, his nostrils flaring as he scen "Nothing," he says, sounding surprised. "Not even a

"Of what?"

he gazes at me, his face stern. "Explain

everything to his grizzled face is somehow easier than I thought it

never changes, never shows its

and asks questions

finish explaining my vague connection with Sister Miriam, he stares at the ceiling in thought, one booted foot tapping against the floor as time

my gut's telling me this

ally than an

further off the edge of my bed. "Why? Lucas doesn't trust her at

to meet with mine, "no vampire acts like this toward someone they're hunting. No, she has a pla

no loyalty in their blood. They don't have the sense of pack that we

question slips out before I can stop myself. Curiosity has

pups, that's for damn sure. They've grown up in a time of peace, never had to fight for their lives against those bloodsuckers." He

our toes."