Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
Remember the thralls from Sister Miriam’s house?
Ah, them.
lck.
I definitely don’t want to be one of those.
“I don’t feel any different,” I offer cautiously. “No desire for blood or anything.”
Selene’s blue eyes are distinctly contemptuous. Contracting and turning are two separate issues, Ava.
Oh.
“Then what is contracting?”
It’s a type of soul bonding. For the first time, Selene sounds unsure. It has never succeeded between Lycans and vampires. The attempt has always kille
“I’m still alive. So, doesn’t that mean it failed?”
I don’t think it succeeded, she says, still sounding hesitant. But I don’t know enough to say.
“My memories are still hazy, but he called me something, A ward?”
Selene’s ears twitch. I don’t understand.
Closing my eyes, I try my best to summon the words in my nightmare. “He called me by name. Ava Grey… Ward of the Witches. He knew who I was.”
Her head cocks and her tail swishes in agitation. I don’t know what that means, but I dont like it. It sounds ominous.
“Take a number. I don’t, either.”
A number?
A number. For the queuenever mind. Rubbing my eyes, I wave her off. “It isn’t important. Is there anything else horribly life altering that you’d like to tell me right now?”
Selene is quiet for a moment, presumably while she thinks things. through. I can’t think of anything at the moment. Though I have been thinking about yo
My phone buzzes. Grabbing it, I check the time. Two in the morning.
Five missed calls, and five text messages.
All from Lucas, of course, except for a spam discount advertisement text that just came in. I don’t remember giving my number to any stores, but spam is ubiquitous.
Ignoring the message, I click onto Lucas’ thread and type.
[AVA: Sorry. Was exhausted after seeing Mom. Fell asleep. I’ll call you in the morning.]
I’ve already failed. I promised to call him at every opportunity and haven’t held up my side of things. If this relationship is going to work between us, I rea has.
Life doesn’t always work as planned.
True. But I’d resolved to do better.
Taking a deep breath and shaking off the guilt, I glance at Selene. “Okay. My magic. You were thinking about it. How so?”
A teacher There is one person who might be able to help you though
My phone rings
Lucas.
I swipe it to answer in a hurry. “What are you doing awake?
“Thinking about you. Worrying about you.”
Selene sighs and rests her head on the bed. If a dog could roll their eyes, I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what she just did.
“I’m fine. I’m about to go back to bed. But a smile curves my lips anyway.
The sound of his voice is comfortable as it washes over me. A part of me I didn’t realize felt empty is now full, just by his presence through the line. It’s a feeling I never want to go away.
How did I push him away so harshly?
My entire body, my soul, wants us to be together.
I can feel the tug of our fated mate bond, the warmth in my chest where once there was only a dull, aching pain.
Imagining living my life without the fulfillment of a mate bond is crazy to me now. It would be awful to know I’d live my life without the warmth he kindles i finally accepted and even crave.
He sighs through the phone. “I’m sorry things didn’t work out. 1 never should have sent you there.”
“It’s fine. I wanted to be here. It was worth trying.” My fingers tighten on the phone; I’d forgotten all about my mother once the nightmare hit. “It doesn’t bother me that much. I’m lying, of ourse,
“No, really. I’m fine. It’s nothing new from her.”
Another sigh. “I already reserved your flight for the morning. Hurry home.”
I nod, before remembering that he can’t see me. “I will. Thank you.”
“Get some sleep, love.”
Selene yawns, snapping her mouth shut with a clack.
“I will. You, too.”
“When I’m done with these papers, I will.” He goes quiet for a second. “Did you… have a good visit with Clayton?”
“Minhmm. He wishes us the best.”
“Good.” I can hear his deep breath, the relief in his words. “That’s great.”
“Good night, Lucas.”
“Good night, Ava.”
A goofy smile spreads across my face as we end the call. A cozy sense of home blossoms in my chest, chasing away the lingering chill of my nightmare.
Selene sighs heavily, her fluffy tail thumping against the bed. Get some sleep, Ava. We can talk in the morning. We have that long ride in the metal trap t
It’s an airplane, Selene. An airplane.
That’s what I said.
A soft knock on the door pulls me out of my hazy morning thoughts as I finish packing my small suitcase. Vanessa must be early to escort me back to the
That’s not Vanessa. Selene’s hackles rise, a low growl rumbling in her throat. Something’s wrong.
I freeze, my hand hovering over the zipper. “What is it?”
Not sure. Her nose twitches. But it doesn’t smell right.
Uneasy, I debate ignoring the knock, pretending I’m not here. It’s a stupid thought. Any wolf can scent me in here.
I crack open the door, surprised to find Margot Mitchell standing there, her face pinched and pale.
“Ava, thank the Moon.” She pushes into the room without invitation, her eyes darting around as if searching for hidden threats. “We need to talk.”
“Margot, what-” My words come out in a shout over the audacity of her intrusion.
“The vampire. He’s here.” She grips my shoulders, her fingers. digging in. “You have to keep him safe. You have to be loyal. You can’t break the code.”
“What secret? What vampire? What are you talking about?” Yanking out of her grip, I take a few steps back. “Why are you here?”