I must have fallen asleep.
I don't rember falling asleep.
Of course you don't, Selene says with a long yawn. You were so exhausted you just passed out mid-conversation with Lucas. He almost tore a nurse's head off for taking too long after he pressed the call button.
Well, I'm glad I missed that overreaction.
You're fine. It's just blood loss. They transfused you overnight. You seem a lot better.
I feel a lot better. I didn't realize how dizzy I was, how my eyes couldn't focus, until now. Being back to normal feels nice.
Not normal, but better. Selene stretches, flicking her ears at . Lucas took on a walk this morning.
Her disgruntled ntal voice makes laugh. How was it?
Fine. He told to go potty.
I clamp both hands over my mouth, trying my damndest to stifle the hysterical giggles, but the ice-blue eyes staring my way tell I've failed in a most spectacular manner.
Perhaps you should go potty, Selene suggests in a voice that would have a beautiful ho in Antarctica.
"You're right. I really need to go." My lips twitch as I shove my blankets off and haul my IV pole with like a professional hospital patient—which, at this point, it kind of feels like I am.
I do need to pee, though, so I make quick work in the bathroom, grateful for the nurses who were thoughtful enough to bring a disposable toothbrush and toothpaste. And soap.
I should shower, though. I hate that gross hospital feeling when I wake up here.
You won't have ti. Lucas and Kellan are almost here.
Must be nice to have wolf-nose.
It is.
Must be nice to rub it in.
It is.
I snort, my mouth filled with minty foam. You're kind of a jerk.
I'm just stating the Moon-blessed truth.
Hah.
My smile fades when I stare into the mirror, the laughter of my morning quickly fading into the grim reminder that Lisa isn't here to enjoy this mont with.
Do you have any thoughts on why they crashed the party, Selene?
I can hear her doggy huff even with the water going. They wanted you. What confuses is that he also wanted Lisa.
Lisa?
But she's human.
A human mated to a wolf. There's a good chance there's sothing in her bloodline. It might just be enough to make her a tasty snack.
The minty toothpaste quickly turns rotten in my mouth, and I gag at the thought of Lisa becoming a snack for a vampire.
I rinse out my mouth as quickly as possible, heaving twice more.
Sorry. Selene's apology is a little awkward, and I get it; she probably didn't think about how the term 'vampire snack' would affect . Wolves eat prey. So do vampires. It's just that in this case, prey is my best friend, and I'd rather not think of her getting eaten. By vampire or wolf.
"Are you okay to be out of bed?" Lucas and Kellan stare at from the bathroom door—a giant affair, really, of a sliding wooden door. Probably to accommodate wheelchairs.
Good thing I wasn't doing anything particularly private, because I didn't close it behind .
"I'm fine." Waving away Lucas' concern, I make my way back to bed, dragging that damnable IV pole behind . "I'm all better this morning."
My steps amble to the side a bit, and I correct myself, shaking off Lucas' helpful hand.
I settle back into the hospital bed, my mind a little fuzzy from the exertion. Lucas hovers nearby, his brows furrowed with concern. Kellan kneels beside Selene, stroking her fur and staring out the window once again.
The scene would be almost peaceful if not for the lingering dread in the air.
Lucas clears his throat, drawing my attention. "Ava, do you know a woman nad Miriam?"
Hearing her na coming out of Lucas' mouth has frozen as I recall her dark hair and glittering red eyes. The woman who unsettled even my mother, notoriously cold and always in control.
"Why do you ask?" My voice is barely above a whisper.
Lucas sighs, his expression grim. "Miriam sent us a letter, requesting to see you. She claims you're in danger and that she can help."
"A letter?"
His jaw clenches. "It ca weeks ago from an Unregistered city near the Blackwood pack lands. It was overlooked while I was in the Blackwood pack lands. If I had seen it sooner…" His voice trails off as he rubs his jaw in frustration. "I'm sorry, Ava. If we had contacted her sooner, we might have known about this."
My heart twists, realizing that the tragedy might have been avoidable. "There's no guarantee of that. What did she say in her letter?"
"Just asking to see you, and saying you were in danger and would understand the warning."
"Hah." I shake my head slightly. "My mother brought her in to check for signs of pregnancy before my mating ceremony with Alpha Renard."
Lucas' soft growl fills the room, but we all ignore it. Alphas are notoriously possessive, and there's no way he would enjoy being reminded that his fated mate was about to be taken by another alpha.
Like Clayton, who still texts every few days. Lucas doesn't ask, but he knows.
"I want to see her."
Kellan clears his throat, catching my attention. "It's possible that bringing her here would only cause more distress."
Right. Bringing a vampire here, on the heels of a vampire attack… It doesn't sound like a great idea.
But I want to talk to her.
You already know how to reach her. Selene stares at , her blue eyes calm and confident.
Should I tell them?
That is up to you, Ava.
Lucas reaches over, grasping my hand tightly. "We'll keep you safe, Ava. I've doubled your guards, and I won't be leaving for a while. If you can't stand being around the guards, you can be with as I work."
I withdraw my hand gently, wishing it didn't seem like such a rejection. I'm not trying to push him away this ti, but I need them all to leave alone for what I want to do. "If I do that, people will think I'm accepting the Luna position. I'm not ready for that, Lucas."
Which is true. I want to accept Lucas. I want to explore our mate connection. But the idea of becoming Luna?
No. I'm not ready for that.
It is good to know your limits. But you will be a good Luna one day, when you're ready. Selene's pride is clear through the bond.
"I need to see her," I say, my voice steadier than I feel. "If she knows sothing about what's happening, I need to know."
Kellan and Lucas share a glance.
"We will et with her first. If we think it's safe, we'll bring her to you." Lucas' words are uncompromising. They already had this plan when they walked in.
I can tell they're talking to each other through that pack link of theirs, too.
But I hadn't expected to get their permission, anyway. I have my own plan.
"Fine."
Lucas hesitates, his expression grave, amber eyes intense on mine. "Ava, Unregistered supernaturals are dangerous. They operate outside the law, and they don't follow the sa rules as the rest of us. I can't risk you without vetting her first."
"I understand." Reaching out, I squeeze his hand, refusing to acknowledge the guilt curling in my belly. "I'm not arguing with you." Because I don't need to.
I'm here, Ava.
Glancing over, I can see Selene's calm eyes on .
I know.
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