Tangled

Unshift 259

Unshift 259

259 Ava: Going to Lucas

No shit.

I could have told him that; in so many ways, wolf packs are far behind their human counterparts. Even the humans have run little news clips on these things. Especially the rates of sexual assault. on women, or wolf-on-wolf violence.

"How do you know this?" Vanessa asks suspiciously. "You said communication has bee disrupted."

"Not all communication. Only those relying on human technology.

"Then shouldn't you know more about what's happening in the world?" I frown at the Inconsistency.

"If I had people to communicate with, I would know. I don't, so I am as lost as you are, Here. A map." Acarus tosses a rolled up paper to Marcus.

witchling.

For some reason, I expected something old and antique, with yellowed paper and jagged edges.

This is more like a smooth poster banner, neatly rolled up. A modern map.

Of course it is. Why would I think otherwise?

Distracted by thoughts of Lisa, I tune them out as they discuss routes and nearby cities. Ever since I decided to become a proper Luna, I've avoided thinking about her, leaving me with an icky feeling that I'm a terrible friend.

It's like no matter what, every decision feels wrong.

But every time I go down that road, I'm told I'm wallowing.

There's a huge part of me that still thinks I should have gone my own way and saved Lisa. Of course there is. Who wouldn't want to tell the world to fuck off and save their best friend?

But her safety came out of luck, not from the effort I put into it. Not even from the efforts of Lucas' pack.

It adds to that guilt rolling around in my soul.

Thinking about Lisa and the time after her kidnapping has my mind wandering down the dark days of not knowing anything, until Sister Miriam-

"Wait a second. Acarus, maybe you can answer this question"

He pauses mid-sentence to look toward

your mother able to

He stares.

One second..

Two.

Vanessa look

Ava: Going

know?" he asks, the words even and

nod. "Figured it out when

"Keep such thoughts to yourself,

of his words has me shuddering. I

mouths, 'stop time? at me, but

Sister Miriam keeps in order to stay alive, I'll keep it

lends us a

us to the place marked on the map, and

goes where his mother tells

He's a strange person.

muttering directions to himself as he makes his way through the back roads, avoiding major highways. If we took one, the drive would only

by the shoulder. I'm in the backseat, which is basically a tiny bench that pretends it's big enough for someone to sit on. "What is it?" Groggy, I glance out the window. It's dark. Lots of stars in the sky, telling us we're far

is bright too, and about three-quarters full. A piece

toward it.

eyes dancing. "He can't respond, but

the way."

words stir something within me, and I

still can't feel Selene; there's only

there's a faint tugging in my chest, not quite painful, but a definite pressure. It's different

can feel Lucas. Well, not him, but my bond knows

It means he's okay. It would probably hurt if he wasn't. Though..." Her brows draw together. "That's usually with the

mark."

Ava: Going to

separate us, and

thoughtful tone, "considering everything that's happened, maybe it's time you and Lucas

feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "What do

be stronger. You'd be able to sense each other more clearly, communicate better. In times like these, that could make

of me. I wanted to be accepted by his pack, to

everything that's happened, Vanessa has a

really think we should? Even in this

do. It's not just about the physical aspect, Ava. A completed mate bond strengthens both partners. You'd