Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
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.
Letter
It takes a little more effort than I expected to convince Dr. Beaumont to discharge me home, but after promising up and down to let Vanessa visit twice a day for bloodwork and vitals, I finally get my way.
Lucas treats me like a fragile vase on the way to the apartment, worrying over leaving me in Lisa’s place alone. He’s not thrilled that I refuse to go to the alpha lodge in the wake of the vampire attack, and it feels like the entire apartment building is filled with wolf shifters in suits, glowering at everyone who passes by.
But I still count it as a win.
I can’t believe two healthy adult women in their twenties don’t have a single candle in their apartment. Selene noses open a cabinet to sniff inside, before clicking her nails across the kitchen to another one. Nothing here.
As she checks the lower cabinets, I shove my way through our everything drawer, only coming up with a small lighter. Helpful, but only half of what I need.
I even check the pantry, but there’s no waxy pillar to be found.
Going behind Selene, I double check where she’s already looked, ignoring her halfoffended snort when I come up as empty as she did.
I told you, there are no candles. My nose works quicker and better than your eyes.
We’ve already checked Lisa’s room and mine. Not a single candle to be had.
How are we out of candles? At the bare minimum, we should have some handy in case the electricity ever goes out.
I stalk to the bathroom, flinging open drawers. “Where the hell are the candles?”
Selene opens the linen cabinet with a deft paw, shoving her head inside to sniff.
It’s all towels, of course.
And shampoo.
And soap.
All things that make her sneeze.
I slam another drawer shut. “We didn’t buy any
*
because of all the wolves around. Scented stuff bothers your noses.”
Selene snorts. Point taken. But on TV, the girls are always taking bubble baths with scented candles.
I roll my eyes. “You watch too much TV. It’s going to rot your brain.”
My brain is just fine. Although I question yours sometimes…
I ignore her, yanking open the cabinet under the sink. Jackpot. I pull out a dusty lavender candle. “Finally.”
Selene reaches out with her nose for a quick sniff, sneezing again. It smells terrible. Nothing like lavenders.
A sharp knock on the door startles us both, and I set the candle aside. I’ll have to call for Sister Miriam later.
Unlocking the door, I swing it open, unsurprised to find Lucas standing there, hands shoved in his pockets and brows furrowed. Who else would make it past all the guards to knock on my door?
He hasn’t been gone long, though.
“Did you need something?” I ask, as my heart races
???
from his presence.
Ever since dancing with Teddy, since realizing that no other person can make me feel what Lucas doesit’s like I’m weak to the fated pull between us.
Almost like I never put up walls at all.
If it wasn’t for the current situation, I’d probably throw myself at him shamelessly.
Lisa would have loved that.
Shaking off the morose thoughts that plague me at the thought of Teddy’s face, slack in death, and Lisa’s absence, I reach for Lucas’ hand and pull him inside, not missing how his eyes light up when I do so.
It makes me feel like shit when I realize how little I’ve ever reached out to him. How much I’ve pushed him away.
He is patient, Selene says, sounding as if she’d rather be murdered than admit it.
“I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone, Ava. Not with Lisa gone.” Lucas’ fingers slide through mine as he shuts the door behind him, cutting us off from the bodyguards he has watching over me. “I’m supposed to be meeting with Kellan, but I wasn’t sure how you would handle being here alone.”
I’d been just finebecause I was busy hunting down a candle to do something behind his back.
Guilt pokes at me. “It’s hard,” I agree, because it is. I don’t like looking around and knowing that Lisa isn’t here. “But I’ll be fine, Lucas. Really. You have enough on your plate, and I’d rather have you looking for her than-“
“It’s not just about that,” he cuts me off, voice low and tense. “You were attacked, Ava. Vampires invaded my territory. Attacked my mate.” His jaw clenches. “I couldn’t be there to protect you, but I can at least be here so you’re not alone. I won’t drag you to the alpha lodge, if this is where you want to be. But I don’t feel right leaving you here without her. I can stay for a little bit.”
I open my mouth to argue, to insist that I can take care of myself, but the words die on my tongue.
Of course I’m scared. I’m terrified.
I went from feeling safe and thinking Lucas and Kellan were worrywarts, to my best friend being kidnapped by a vampire.
Even living as a supernatural doesn’t prepare you for that.
Vampires are so closed off from society, it’s like they don’t even exist.
Maybe having Lucas nearby isn’t the worst idea. But if he’s here, I can’t call Sister Miriam and find out what she knows.
Selene nudges my hand with her wet nose, sensing my inner turmoil. I stroke her silky fur, drawing strength from her steady presence.