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 me.

able to

He stares.

One second..

Two.

and Vanessa

Ava: Going

he asks, the words

nod. "Figured it out when she

thoughts to yourself, Aval Grey. There are certain talents people would kill to get

I know the feeling

at me, but I just shake my

it's a secret Sister Miriam keeps in order to stay alive, I'll

us a

sputters in a way that has Marcus 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 our way down the gravel road out of Acarus"

saying he only goes where his mother tells

He's a strange person.

but Marcus muttering directions to himself as he makes his way through the back roads, avoiding major highways. If

for someone to sit on. "What is it?" Groggy, I glance out the window. It's dark. Lots

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

toward it.

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

the way."

and I close my

Selene; there's only vast emptiness where her

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

can feel Lucas. Well, not him, but my

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

mark."

Going to

separate us, and buoys

thoughtful tone, "considering everything that's happened, maybe it's

and I feel a blush creeping

more clearly, communicate better. In times like these, that could make all the difference. And with how strong you both are? Who

wanted to be accepted

that's happened,

think we should? Even

Ava. A completed mate bond strengthens both partners. You'd be able to draw on each other's strength, share energy. And in