Filed to story: Tangled in Moonlight Unshifted Novel by Lenaleia
1ST Avoc Everything is Changed healed, though she’s been worried about you.”
I wonder if Ivy’s truly worried about me or just saying the right. things. Our interactions had always been tinged with an odd. undertone I could never quit
Guilt twists in my gut for thinking that way about Clayton’s sister, especially after she was injured because of my family. “That’s kind of her. Please tell he
Silence descends, thick and uncomfortable. I avoid Clayton’s gaze, studying the intricate patterns in the hardwood floor.
Awkward conversations over relationships are not in my wheelhouse.
I’m not sure how to bring anything up, but I don’t really want to have Clayton misunderstanding anything else between us.
Clayton clears his throat, breaking the awkward peace. “So, how are you and Lucas doing?”
My heart jumps, startled half out of its lifespan. Is he reading my damn mind now?
Steeling myself, I meet Clayton’s eyes. “We’re doing great, actually.
Really great.”
It’s the truth, but saying it out loud to Clayton makes it sound like a lie. Like I’m trying to convince myself as much as him.
Hopefully he believes me.
Clayton nods, his expression unreadable. “I’m glad to hear that, Ava. Truly.” His voice is low, full of sincerity.
Something inside me fractures a little at his words, guilt pouring in. At the way he’s hiding his own feelings behind that stoic mask.
I’m well aware that he wanted me to be his mate. That he wished for us to choose each other. I know he chose me, and somehow I feel like I’ve tarnished him with my rollercoaster of emotions.
Clayton needs to find someone suited for him, someone who can love him the way he deserves. But it’s not my place to say that.
I don’t want to give a single false hope. I don’t want to do anything that might ruin the fragile trust I’ve built with Lucas.
So I just nod, forcing a smile. “Thanks, Clayton. That means a lot.”
The weight of all the things left unsaid hangs heavy in the air between us. I’m not sure how to navigate this new dynamic, this strange limbo of being frie
I’m saved from having to figure it out by the sound of footsteps echoing in the foyer. Kellan appears, his expression grim. “Clayton, we need to talk. Now
Clayton straightens, instantly shifting into alpha mode. He gives me an apologetic look. “Duty calls. Make yourself at home, Ava. We’ll catch up later.”
With that, he strides off with Kellan, their voices low and urgent. I watch them go in relief, grateful for the interruption.
Ava. Selene’s voice echoes in my mind, making me jump. You okay?
Yeah, I’m fine. I start walking, not really paying attention to where I’m going. Just tired.
It’s not a lie, exactly. I am tiredbonedeep exhausted in a way that has nothing to do with physical fatigue.
Grabbing my phone, I send Lucas a quick text, realizing belatedly that I forgot to call him when we landed. I’m already a terrible…
Mate? It sounds a little early to call myself that. I’m not ready to take on a Luna mantle.
Girlfriend? It sounds so… human.
I’m a terrible something.
[AVA: Made it to White Peak safely. At the alpha lodge now. You did great redecorating. Which room is mine?]
His response is almost immediate.
[LUCAS: Back room to the left. Smells like me. There might be dirty underwear in the laundry basket. Just tell Vester to take care of it.]
[AVA: That’s disgusting.]
[LUCAS: Is it?]
“Ava, is that you?”
The familiar rasp has me frozen, my heart lurching into my throat. Slowly, I turn around, coming facetoface with a ghost from my past.
Our neighbor. Margot Mitchell.
Her once vibrant auburn hair is streaked with silver, her face a roadmap of wrinkles and scars. It’s her eyes that haunt me. Piercing green eyes that see everything and do nothing.
“Margot,” I greet, my voice tight with caution. “What are you doing here?”
She limps toward me, her gait uneven from some injury she incurred long before I was born. I remember asking about it once, and my mother slapped the back of
I tense as she reaches out, half expecting her to grab me, to drag me back to the hellscape I escaped. But she merely places a hand on my arm, her touch featherlight.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry for everything. For not intervening when…” She trails off, her gaze flickerin
The shame she tries to portray leaves me feeling dirty. Unclean from her mere presence.
Memories flash through my mind, unbidden. Margot’s face in the window, watching as I was taunted and beaten, even by her own son. Listening at the front door as my parents berated me, their voices carrying through
I was thirteen.
He broke my wrist.
I cried for hours that day. Hours. Until my parents, tired of my whining, finally dragged me to the healers.
Margot, always watching. Never helping.
I yank my arm away, taking a step back. “You’re sorry?” Anger surges through me, hot and bitter, fueling my words. “Why are you even saying that? Wha
“Ava. You have to understand, none of us could help you. Please.” She grabs at my arm again. “We need you to understand us. To speak for us.”
Ah. She needs something.
No wonder she’s here.
The bitter anger continues to boil in my veins, even as my stomach churns. There’s a tiny part of me, almost miniscule, that was hopeful her apology was
“How did you know I was here?” I step back, avoiding her grip, and she stops trying.
Margot shakes her head. “I am hired to clean the lodge. I didn’t know until I saw you.” Her eyes fill with tears. “Please, Ava. Think of your pack. So many of us are separated now. Taken from our mates. Forced to cut t
“No.” My voice is cold as I take another step back.
“No,” I repeat. “I have no intention of helping you or anyone else. from that pack. Not after everything I endured.”
Margot’s face contorts, her features twisting into an ugly mask of rage. “You ungrateful little-“
A low growl cuts her off. Selene stalks into the room, her hackles. raised, teeth bared. She positions herself between Margot and me, a living shield.
Margot returns the growl, her eyes flashing amber. For a moment, I think she might actually shift and attack. My heart pounds against my ribs, adrenaline surgin
Then Vanessa walks in, and Margot’s demeanor changes instantly. She straightens, smoothing her expression into one of neutral politeness.
“I’ll find you again later,” she says, her tone clipped. “We can talk when you’ve settled in.” With that, she turns and flees the room, brushing past a bewildered Vanessa.
Vanessa watches her go, then turns to me, curiosity etched on her face. “Who was that?”
I swallow hard, trying to steady my racing heart. “An old neighbor,” I manage, my voice shaking slightly. “From… before.”
The Aws: From the Pink
Understanding dawns in Vanessa’s eyes, followed by sympathy. She starts to say something, but I don’t hear her. I’m already sinking to my knees, buryin
She whines softly, nuzzling against me as I tremble, overwhelmed by the unexpected confrontation with my past.