Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
He’s trying.
Like I am.
“Lucas, do you think I’m a freak?”
The question comes out unbidden, and I can’t stare at his face while waiting for his answer. Instead, I pick at the buttons on the remote Selene left with m
“What? Of course not. Ava, why would you think that?” His hands. cover mine, stopping the fidgeting. “Sweetheart, you need to look at me.”
I don’t.
“Okay, you don’t have to. But really, really listen to my words. Ava, you’re not a freak. Wolf or no wolf, I want you by my side. I never should have pushed
“I was already running away,” I mutter. “It wasn’t just because of you.”
His fingers squeeze against my hands, and I turn them palms up, letting our fingers link.
“It doesn’t matter. I should have been your safe haven. Your fated mate. Your number one choice. I betrayed that without ever having a real conversation with you.”
My eyes drift to meet his, seeing his honesty. Uncomfortable, I glance away again. “I didn’t have a real conversation with you when you came to apologiz
“But we’re here now, right?” he presses, waiting until I nod. “I’ll never think of you as a freak, Ava. You’re perfect. Even if you were human, you’re perfect it doesn’t change you. Doesn’t change who you are. Doesn’t change the fact that you’re my mate. I’m ready to chase you for a thousand years, if I need
Selene snorts from her side of the room, but refrains from other comment.
For a halfsecond.
any
Seriously? A thousand years? Even as Lycans, we didn’t live that long.
My lips twitch, even as my eyes fill.
“A thousand years is a little overexaggerated.”
“But I would,” he insists, with the faintest smile when our eyes meet again. “Even if you run away, I’ll find if you run away, I’ll find you. Even if you don’t want me, I’ll watch over you. Even if you hate me, I’ll protect you.
You’re my only choice in this life, Ava. So don’t be afraid to come to me, no matter what you have to say.”
“Even when it makes you angry?” I ask with a soft laugh.
“Sweetheart, I’m furious,” he admits, still smiling.
My face falls, but he reaches out, cupping my cheek with one warm hand. “I’m furious that you put yourself in danger. That’s all.”
Well, that’s fair.
But I’d do it again. In a heartbeat. No matter what he thinks.
His eyes narrow. “You’re thinking that you’d do it again, aren’t you?” Suspicion laces his voice.
Maybe avoiding the question is better than answering it. “Where do we go from here?”
“With what?” His thumb rubs over my cheek, his golden eyes dark as he watches me.
“Everything. Lisa. The vampires. My powers.”
He sighs. “I don’t know. It’s a lot to think about.”
When his hand drops from my face, I’m disappointed by the absence of his warmth. Still, I try to focus on what’s important. “Have you ever heard of the M
“No.” Lucas frowns. “Unfortunately, we don’t know a lot about vampires and the Unregistered cities. A few basic things, but we’ve become complacent in
“How?”
His head shakes slightly, and his eyes look a little unfocused. He’s probably talking to Kellan through the pack link again, so I wait patiently for him to fini
“It’s dangerous to send scouts to the Unregistered city,” he murmurs. “Few make it back alive.”
His words are a shock, and my hands grow cold. I understand that I’m a little sheltered, but I’ve watched enough human news to know a few things. I ha
“There are humans who live in the Unregistered cities. Plenty of people come and go through them they are a modern city like any other. Internet, stores, cars. But they don’t welcome most shifters.”
I hesitate, thinking back on my conversation with Sister Miriam. “It sounds like they do some business with rogue wolves.”
“Yes.” He frowns. “That doesn’t help us, though.”
No, but if I work with Sister Miriam…
But by the look on Lucas’ face, I don’t think that’s going to be an option in his mind.
Of course not.
Isn’t Selene supposed to be watching TV?
I can still hear you two, you know.
“Ava.” His voice grabs my attention, as he grips my hands tightly. “I need you to promise me that you aren’t going to see Sister Miriam without talking to m
“Lucas…”
“Rescuing Lisa isn’t going to happen in a few hours. It might not even be in a few days.”
My heart drops. Although a logical part of me already recognizes that, I can’t reconcile the thought of Lisa being in danger for that long without help. “I ca
“We’re not giving up, Ava. But we need to do this safely. You understand, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” I just don’t agree with it. Knowing that, I can’t quite meet his eyes.
Having a relationship with Lucas is getting in the way of saving my best friend.
I’m not sure what the right answer is, but I don’t like the options. he’s giving me.
“I promised you I would let you be a part of this, remember? I’m not shutting you out. I’m not stopping you from saving her. We just need to take it one st
Kellan’s-“
He goes silent, his gaze unfocused again.
I sit up a little straighter, and this time the conversation ends quickly. “How quickly can you be packed?” he asks, sounding distracted.
“Now.”
He nods, his eyes unfocused again. After a few minutes, he’s back. “Your mother isn’t talking. She won’t until she sees you.”
Mom.
I’d completely forgotten about her, focused only on Sister Miriam.
“I’ll go,” I say without hesitation. Never seeing her again would be the option I’d choose at any other time, but not now. Not with Lisa’s safety at stake.
“I figured you would. Vanessa’s packing up what she needs. We’ll head to the airport in about an hour.”
“Vanessa?” I ask in surprise.
“You’re still recovering.” Lucas points out. “I’m not risking your health over this.”
Fair enough. “That’s fine. I love Vanessa.”
Lucas hesitates, looking torn. “I should come with you.”
“No. Absolutely not. You need to be here for your pack. You’ve suffered a tragedy, and they need their alpha.” Reaching out, I grab his hand. “Send Kella