I must have fallen asleep.
I don''t remember 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 me. Lucas took me on a walk this morning.
Her disgruntled mental voice makes me laugh. How was it?
Fine. He told me 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 me I''ve failed in a most spectacular manner.
Perhaps you should go potty, Selene suggests in a voice that would have a beautiful home 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 me 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 time. 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 moment with.
Like Clayton, who still texts me 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 me, 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 me 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 time, but I need them all to leave me 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 something about what''s happening, I need to know."
Kellan and Lucas share a glance.
"We will meet 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 same 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 me.
I know.