Tangled

Unshift 293

Unshift 293

293 Ava: Re-Establishing...

"Lucas!" I call out sharply, shoving against his chest. My heart races, desire coursing through my veins as fear dissipates. He isn't violent. He's just affected by my heat,

And as much as I'd love to have it take over us both, I can't let that happen. I know how it feels to regret decisions made in the moment. I don't want Lucas to feel that way about us.

He blinks, shaking his head as if clearing fog from his mind. Stepping back, he murmurs, "I'm sorry. I'm not sure what came over me"

"It's okay, I say softly. "I think our bond is trying to reassert itself, now that I'm here. It's what makes the most sense in this scenario, anyway.

My bond yearns toward him in my chest, and it's physically painful to not step forward and nuzzle into his chest.

Lucas nods slowly, his brow furrowed. "That makes sense. The way I'm drawn to you is overwhelming." Even as he says that, he lifts his hand to brush his fingers against my cheek. 1 can't help but lean into his touch, craving the connection we once had. His skin feels like fire against mine.

I want so much more than this.

"Why are you so hot?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.

I blink, confused. "Me? You're the one burning up."

Lucas shakes his head. "No, your cheeks are flushed. You feel warm!

cue, a chill runs through my

have a fever,"

a bit strained. "Pot, meet kettle. You're not exactly the

sigh. There's no point in hiding it. "I think... I might be going into heat. And it's affecting you, too." I don't remember Clayton being hot like this, though. Is it because of our

forward, his nose skimming along my neck. A soft growl rumbles in his chest, sending shivers down my

asks, his voice husky. "For your

swallow hard, memories of Clayton flashing through my mind. "I, uh... I slept with another alpha during my last heat. I rush to

his head snaps up, a possessive snarl escaping him. "Damn right it isn't." Despite everything, I can't help but smile at his reaction, a flicker of triumph dancing through the bond in my chest. Even without his memories, some part

203 Ava: Re-Establishing...

he's surprised by his own vehemence. He

sorry" he says again. "I don't know why I'm acting

my touch. "It's okay. It's the bond,

hands clamping around my hips. His touch sends electricity through my body, and I have to

have to leave if you keep smelling like

point

heat rising in my checks. I'm acutely aware of every po where his body touches mine, and it takes all my willpower not to lean into him. "Vanessa dragged me here, I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "She threw me into the lion's den. Lucas stills at my words, his grip on my hips loosening slightly. His eyes search mine, and I can see the conflict raging within him. He's fighting against

want to leave?" he asks,

n every

head, unable to lie to him. The thought of walking away from him now, when fiber of my being is screaming for his touch, is unbearable. But I know I have to give him a choice. He doesn't remember me, doesn't

want me to," I say softly, even as my heart aches at the

darken further, and his fingers flex against my hips. The movement sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I have to bite my lip to keep from

It's not a request or a suggestion. It's a statement of fact, delivered with all the authority of an

remembers his touch, even if his mind doesn't remember me. Every cell in