Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
The pressure in my ears intensifies as the plane descends, making me wince and rub at my temples. Selene lifts her head from my thigh, her ice blue eyes meeting mine.
Humans and wolves were not meant to fly in these metal traps, she grumbles telepathically. The air pressure changes are unnatural.
A small smile tugs at my lips, amused by her grumpiness. It’s not so bad once you get used to it.
I’ll pass, thanks. She settles her head back down with a huff.
The plane touches down with a jolt, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Despite Selene’s comforting presence, my nerves are still frayed at the edges, the prospect of being back in White Peak setting me
Kellan is a silent, brooding presence beside me as we disembark, his jaw clenched tight and his eyes stormy. I can’t even begin to imagine the turmoil he
It makes me realize how much Lucas went through, trying to find me.
How much he must have dealt with even when he spent time in Cedarwood, being resolutely ignored…
Damn.
My soul shrivels a little more.
You were at a different place then, Selene murmurs. You shouldn’t feel guilty for how you felt in the moment.
But it’s hard to accept that now, with hindsight.
It usually is.
I narrow my eyes at her as she walks beside me. You hate Lucas. I’m not sure how unbiased your advice is.
Her ears twitch and she looks at me, tongue lolling out of her mouth, looking every bit like an amused husky.
That’s because it isn’t unbiased. But I won’t get between you and the mate you’ve chosen.
We make our way through the bustling airport, Kellan’s hand resting lightly on the small of my back as he guides me through the crowds. Selene trots dutifully at my heels, her ears pricked and alert.
Vanessa catches up to us, having been in a different section of the plane, and aside from a quick greeting, she’s silent, her eyes. unfocused. She must be mind linking with her mate.
As we approach the baggage claim, a familiar scent catches my attention the salty tang of the ocean mixed with pine. My stomach does a little flip as I spot Clayton and Vester waiting for us, their postures relaxed but their eyes
Vester and Vanessa greet with a restrained hug and chaste cheek kisses that have me wondering if something happened between them. An argument, perhaps? I’ll have to ask her later. Vanessa doesn’t strike me as the kind o
“Ava,” Clayton greets me warmly, his green eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiles. “It’s good to see you again.”
“You too,” I manage, my voice sounding a bit strained to my own ears. I can feel the heat of his gaze on my neck, lingering on the spot where a mate ma
Unbidden, memories of our time together flood my mind the scorching heat of my skin, the desperate press of his body against mine, the scrape of his teeth against my throat. I remember the all consuming need, the frenzied desire that had clouded my judgment and driven me into his arms.
But as quickly as they come, the memories fade, leaving behind a strange sense of detachment. The urgency, the intensity, it all feels muted now, like lo
Your connection with Lucas runs soul deep, Selene murmurs in my mind, her voice gentle. What you felt with Clayton was brought on by heat. It doesn’t compare. Not unless you wanted them
My cheeks heat with a mixture of embarrassment and guilt. She’s right, of course. As intoxicating as it had been in the moment, my time with Clayton wa
But thinking of being together with Lucas in the midst of my heat sends my imagination down roads it really doesn’t need to go down right now.
“Ava?” Clayton’s voice breaks through my reverie, tinged with concern. “Are you alright?”
“Fine,” I say quickly, forcing a smile. “Just a bit tired from the flight.”
He nods, his expression understanding. “Of course. We’ll get you settled in and let you rest.”
“Thank you,” I murmur, grateful for his tact.
“I assume you don’t want to stay at your family home-“
“I don’t.”
“So you can either take the alpha lodge or we can try to find. somewhere else.” He hesitates. “I don’t know where would be best for you.”
Anywhere far, far away from here. “The alpha lodge is fine.” I’ve been inside, but I don’t have any truly terrible memories there.
Clayton glances at Selene. “We didn’t prepare anything for her transport. I’m sorry about that.”
“Selene is fine in cars,” Kellan interrupts, leaning over the baggage carousel to snatch my suitcase as it comes by. It looks like every other person’s lugg
The alpha lodge is different. It’s been cleaned and scrubbed and actually looks rather nice.
I don’t think any of the furniture is original.
“We took the liberty of rearranging the place,” Vester says, and I realize he and Vanessa are on opposite sides of our little group.
Interesting.
Glancing around again, I smile at Vester. “It looks great. Doesn’t look anything like it did before.”
Vanessa trails behind Selene, who seems to be following her nose somewhere. I watch them go, but then my gaze is drawn to the sheer opulence of this
It’s like a mansion out of an old movie, with high ceilings and rich wood paneling. The entryway opens into a huge ballroom style space. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. I can remember Alpha Renard holding court here, all his lackeys gathered a
The thought makes me shudder.
I wander from room to room, marveling at the transformation. It’s hard to believe this is the same dark, oppressive place I remember. Upstairs, I peek into poster beds. There must be at least six rooms up here. It’s like a luxury hotel.
It also smells like new construction. Interesting.
As I make my way back downstairs, I realize it’s gone quiet. Too quiet.
Selene?
No answer, and she’s nowhere to be found.
“Hey Ava.” Vester’s voice startles me and I spin around. “I’ve gotta head out, take care of some pack stuff. You good here with Clayton?”
“Oh. Yeah, of course.” I try to sound nonchalant, but my heart picks up speed at the thought of being alone with Clayton, and the uncomfortable conversa
Soon, it’s just me and Clayton standing awkwardly in the giant foyer. I clear my throat. “I’m honestly surprised you’re still here. Figured you’d have to go
He shrugs. “The Council assigned me here almost from the beginning.”
That’s news to me. I thought he was here to help as a friend. It makes sense, though. “The Council assigned you here?”
Clayton nods, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Yeah. They wanted an unbiased alpha to oversee things during the takeover. Keep things civil, avoid mo
“It seems to be taking a long time,” I observe, wandering over to study an abstract painting on the wall.
Clayton sighs. “A modern pack takeover like this, it’s almost. unprecedented. The Council wants it done right. Less barbaric than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to be that an alpha would take over and kill those who don’t change their allegiance, but…”
“It’s a different era,” I finish, turning to face him with genuine. curiosity. “How’s it going so far? Have many Blackwood wolves. switched allegiance?”
A shadow crosses Clayton’s handsome face. “Most of the females. have pledged to Westwood or Silvermoon. A number have already relocated. But the males…”
That’s nothing new.
I’m pretty sure Lucas had some on the plane with us, even though I didn’t see them.
“Ava.” Clayton’s voice is gentle. His ocean scent washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn’t touch me. “We’re going to find Lisa. And I promise you, your family will never hurt you again. I won’t allow it.”
Tears prick my eyes at the fierce protectiveness in his tone. Clayton’s determination to keep people safe is something I’ve experienced before and maybe it’s a little over the top. But I know he means it.
“I know.” Uncomfortable with the detour switch lanes. “How’s y?”
emotional territory, I
Clayton’s lips quirk into a smile. “Ivy’s doing great. Completely