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"

look toward me. "What

your mother able to stop

He stares.

One second..

Two.

and Vanessa look

Going

he asks, the

when she

"Keep such thoughts to

has me shuddering. I know the feeling of being

at me, but I just shake

day. If it's a secret Sister Miriam keeps in

us a

doubtful it can even get us to the place marked on the map, and Vanessa holds onto the door for dear life as we bounce

doesn't follow, saying he only goes where

He's a strange person.

If we took one, the drive would only take

while, because Vanessa shakes me awake 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

too, and about

toward it.

Vester. Her lips curve, her eyes dancing. "He can't respond, but I told him

the way."

and I close my eyes, reaching

only vast emptiness

not quite painful, but a definite pressure. It's different from my connection with Selene, yet somehow

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

seat, with a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Ava. It means he's okay. It

mark."

Ava: Going

separate us, and

"considering everything that's

feel a blush creeping up

other more clearly, communicate

it slow-mostly because of me. I wanted to be accepted by his pack,

with everything that's happened, Vanessa has

we should? Even in

"I do. It's not just about the physical aspect, Ava. A completed mate bond strengthens both partners. You'd be able to draw on each other's strength, share