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"

pauses mid-sentence to look toward me. "What is

mother able

He stares.

One second..

Two.

Vanessa

Ava: Going

the words

it out when she visited

"Keep such thoughts to yourself, Aval Grey. There are

shuddering. I know the feeling of being

time? at me, but I just shake

a conversation for another day. If it's a secret Sister Miriam keeps in order to stay alive, I'll keep it

lends us a

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 his

He's a strange person.

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

bench that pretends it's big enough for someone

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

toward it.

sense Vester. Her lips curve, her eyes dancing. "He can't

the way."

stir something within me, and I close my eyes, reaching

there's only vast emptiness where

quite painful, but a definite pressure. It's different from my connection with Selene,

Well, not him, but my bond

with a warm smile. "That's wonderful, Ava. It means he's okay. It would probably hurt if he wasn't. Though..." Her brows draw together.

mark."

Ava: Going

us, and buoys my wearied

voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "considering everything that's happened,

off guard, and I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "What

partial bond you have now is a handicap, Ava. If you were fully. mated, your connection would be stronger. You'd be able to sense each other more clearly, communicate better.

taking it slow-mostly because of me. I wanted to be

happened, Vanessa

should? Even in this

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 energy. And in a