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.

he rubs slow circles. The gesture is so

to be my buffer, he says, his words flat and cool, at odds with his gentle touch. "Yes," Vester doesn't flinch from his Alpha's regard. "We need to buy time and avoid the worst case scenario. Are you up

aren't intending for you to hide, Alpha. Merely boost confidence

Strengthen

They need

the floor. "I can see the merit in the argument," he says

to

As do I.

nods. "Do

"With that decided, I'm here with news. Good news,

Lucas' knee. Her affection for him is obvious, and Lisa

still weird

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

stilling for a moment before resuming its comforting circles. The absence of supernatural activity should be reassuring, but knowing others

the question on my mind. "How

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

the tension. "The enemies of our enemies are our friends,

then. "It's unlikely they were all killed," he says, his voice steady. "They are. probably in hiding, waiting to fight back,

feel the hint of surprise inside of him. Is