Tangled

302 Ava: Strengthen Her Position

Selene ignores Lucas' reaction. Avar needs a show of strength when she's introduced to the pack Too many know her as a Blackwood wolf, and all know she cannot shift. Once they know of me, it will be easier to form connections with the pack members. Sister Miriam smiles faintly. "Those who want Ava's power would not care about her wolf, and Alpha Renard will lose interest in her once she is announced as the Westwood Luna. It is low risk, as I see it."

Lucas frowns, but his gaze settles on the gnome sitting quietly on the other side of the room. "Who are you?"

"Dr. Blackwell," I whisper in Lucas' car. "He saved Lisa. Then, when I realize he doesn't understand, I add, "She's my best friend. The human with black hair. She's Kellan's mate."

"Ah"

Sister Miriam inclines her head toward Dr. Blackwell. "He is under an alias here in your territory, but he is a powerful figure among many supernaturals outside of your influence. The Grand Sage of the gnome community, and a pioneer in magical technology." Lucas' emotions ripple through our bond, a mix of confusion and frustration that bleed over, affecting my own feelings. It leaves me antsy and tense.

Just push the bond away, Selene says then. Mate bonds can be very strong in early days. Your emotions will be mirrored if you can't get control of it.

He doesn't seem as affected as I am, but I imagine a thick blanket over his emotions, creating a small barrier between us. It's enough to ease the tension in my shoulders.

"It would be a good decision to placate the wolves," Vester says, his tone grim. "They need a little hope. Right now, even with the ability to sleep and rest, everyone's on edge."

I turn to face him, noting the tight lines around his eyes, the slight downturn of his mouth. He continues, "Morale is low. There are a lot of questions due to Alpha's absence. His

unresponsiveness in the pack bond is also coming up, especially when they saw him out today" He nods his head toward Lucas.

way to my back, his touch warm and comforting as he rubs slow circles. The gesture is so familiar, yet tinged with the knowledge that for him, it's all new. I lean into

flinch from his Alpha's regard. "We need to buy time and avoid the worst case scenario. Are you up for an inevitable challenge?" A soft rumble escapes Lucas, a low growl. "I will not

to hide, Alpha.

Strengthen

need

"I can see the

want to do

As do I.

nods. "Do

decided, I'm

on Lucas' knee. Her affection for

it's still weird

voice fills the room, her words flowing with an eerie calm that sends a shiver down my spine. "There is no evidence of any supernatural activity within sixty miles in any direction" she reports, her red eyes scanning the faces around her. "The closest hub is actually a registered community

Lucas tense beside me, his hand on my back stilling for a moment before resuming its comforting circles. The absence of supernatural activity should be

ever practical, voices the question on my mind.

eyes boring into her. "It is good to know there are those

tension. "The enemies of

They're all gone. How can we ally with dead people?" Lucas speaks up then. "It's unlikely they were all killed,"

I can feel the hint of surprise inside of him. Is