Tangled
Unshift 302

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.

Lucas' hand replaces its 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 his touch, soothed by his affection.

"You want Ava 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 for an inevitable challenge?" A soft rumble escapes Lucas, a low growl. "I will not hide behind my mate."

"We aren't intending for you to hide, Alpha. Merely boost confidence among our people. We have

202 Ava Strengthen Her Position

families, their pups. They need you to be strong, Alpha."

Lucas holds Vester's gaze, until the delta's eyes drop to the floor. "I can see the merit in the argument," he says finally, his voice low.

"I want to do it."

As do I.

He nods. "Do as you wish."

Sister Miriam clears her throat. "With that decided, I'm here with news. Good news, this time."

Selene settles by my feet, resting her head on Lucas' knee. Her affection for him is obvious, and Lisa stares with a puzzled frown.

Yeah, it's still weird to me, too.

Sister Miriam's 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 to the west, which is decimated and abandoned."

I feel 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 reassuring, but knowing others are suffering only brings ominous shudders to m my spine.

Lisa, ever practical, voices the question on my mind. "How is that good news?"

Sister Miriam's gaze shifts to Lisa, those unsettling red eyes boring into her. "It is good to know there are those who are not allied with our enemics," she says, in her languid way.

Dr. Blackwell's calm voice cuts through the tension. "The enemies of our enemies are our friends, he says. "We need allies."

Lisa shakes her head. "I don't get it. They're all gone. How can we ally with dead people?" Lucas speaks up then. "It's unlikely they were all killed," he says, his voice steady. "They are. probably in hiding, waiting to fight back, as we are."

But I can feel the hint of surprise inside of him. Is he surprised he spoke up?

"There are others out there," Sister Miriam agrees. "Perhaps as scared and desperate as we are, looking for allies. We are in the middle of a dead zone, which means we're less likely to be attacked. So far, aside from influential human cities, the only places to be attacked are supernatural hubs." Her eyes flicker to the wolves in the room. "And packs" "Which is why we need strong leadership. We have to replace allies. We can't fight back alone." Vester points at me. "You will be the catalyst for our rebirth.

"Me?" Startled, I glance around the room. Everyone-including Lisa!-look as though they approve of Vester's words. "How is it me?"

Sister Miriam sighs. "Child, you have to open your mind. Have you learned nothing t

302 Ava. Strengthen Her Position

weeks?"

Apparently not.

Don't take it to heart, Selene murmurs. She's just like that.

Oh, and now these two are besties, I guess.

We have reached a truce between us.

"You brought Westwood their first allies, child. They want you to take over diplomatic relations." The vampire's red eyes glitter. "Such accolades will serve to strengthen your Luna position and take gossip off their Alpha's healing"