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"

to look

able

He stares.

One second..

Two.

Vanessa look

Going to

know?" he asks, the words even and

"Figured it out when she visited me after the

"Keep such thoughts to yourself, Aval Grey. There are certain talents people would kill to

has me shuddering. I know the feeling of being targeted

at me, but I just shake my

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

us a

marked on the map, and Vanessa holds onto

doesn't follow, saying he only goes where his mother tells

He's a strange person.

the back roads, avoiding major highways. If we took

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.

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

toward it.

eyes dancing. "He can't respond, but I told him

the way."

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

Selene; there's only vast

but a definite pressure. It's

sure I can feel Lucas. Well, not him, but my

he's okay. It would probably hurt if he wasn't. Though..." Her brows

mark."

Ava: Going to

us, and buoys my wearied

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

feel a blush creeping

Ava. If you were fully. mated, your connection would be stronger. You'd be able to sense each other more clearly, communicate better. In times like these, that could make all the difference. And with how strong you both are? Who knows.

me. I wanted to be accepted by his

happened, Vanessa has

think we should? Even

about the physical aspect, Ava. A completed mate bond strengthens both partners. You'd be able to draw on each other's strength, share