Tangled

185

185

185 Ava: Can't Sacrifice the Pack for One

Person

"I don't mind sacrificing my life for Lisa's. But I can't sacrifice this pack for her. I'm struggling to know how to juggle these feelings."

The truth has my shoulders sagging, but he only nods.

"Responsibility will always be a shackle to your decisions. It's a good lesson to learn."

"Better if I'd learned it before lives were lost," I mutter, full of

self-deprecation.

"Sit up straight," Jericho snaps, his voice cracking like a whip. "Feeling sorry for yourself doesn't help anyone."

My spine stiffens even as I flinch, scrambling to obey the older wolf before my brain catches up to his demands.

Training is a scary thing.

Selene's ears perk up, and his head swivels toward the door. A few seconds later, I hear the thud of approaching footsteps. Jericho grunts, "That alpha sure took his sweet time."" The door bursts open, and Lucas strides in, Kellan at his heels.

Lucas's amber eyes lock onto me, wild and desperate, and he rushes to my side. His hands skim over my arms, my face, as if reassuring himself I'm unharmed.

"Are you okay? Did the vampire hurt you?" His words tumble out in a frantic rush, even though I'm sure he's been informed of my

↑ Devacho summarizes the situation in clipped tones. Skuter Mirams

oddly incapacitater guarde acas's face darkens with each word, a growl

trust her," he sparis, pacing the room like a caged predator. "She's toying with

"Raised an impulsive

words, but I can't deny the truth in them. Lucas is letting

conclusions without evidence.

to be his weakness when

for sure," I say softly, reaching for

motives are unclear, but I

means us harm."

his eyes flashing. "How can you say that? With

but she hasn't, I argue, my voice gaining strength. "She's cryptic and dustring, but I

nor frindering us ve

throat, drawing our attention. "Ava's right. We can't afford to

before we act"

past week. Running a hand through his hair, he growls, "I know. I just- fuck. These damn bloodsuckers keep coming onto my lands, and I don't

complacent in the power of the pack. Get too proud,

curls as he eyes Kellan, a low growl

his shoulders squaring. He meets his father's gaze head-on, and dominance radiates off them in waves. Lucas steps between them, his own power flaring to life.

time for this."

but the animosity lingers, simmering just beneath the surface. One day, I'll learn more about

"What do you mean, we're too complacent?

head. "High alert? You call this high alert? Your borders are as porous as a sieve, and you're letting

works."

do you suggest?"

need to

my chest. He means me.

expression darkening. "No. Absolutely not.