Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 11 Ava: The Novel Grind

Chapters 11-17 have been rewritten to improve story flow and pacing. [June 27, 2024]

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The new beginning I crave begins in a quaint town by the name of Cedarwood, just outside of Spokane, Washington. It isn't that I made a conscious choice to stay here, exactly. I sensed shifters at the train station in Spokane and panicked. A rideshare app and a destination chosen at random brought me to Cedarwood.

Specifically, to an adorable bookshop cafe on a picturesque little street in the middle of their commercial district.

Seriously, the entire street gives me a modern Victorian vibe, and families all walk because there is literally no parking anywhere. I guess people come here for the charm.

Two weeks later, I'm still at the shop, only now I'm working there. As an added perk, I even get an apartment in the above floor. It was used as storage for a few years by my new boss, and I have a lot of cleaning to do yet, but it's mine, and I love it, even if there are boxes everywhere.

I still don't know how all the luck managed to swing my way, but I'm not going to complain. I haven't seen a single shifter since I came here, and from what I hear, the Aspen Pack treats humans well in their territory. There's a huge part of me that's terrified they will come banging on my door, demanding to know why I haven't informed them of my presence, but—well, that's a problem for future Ava.

I'm hoping that I smell human enough to not be bothered.

Mrs. Elkins enters the store, the bell above the door announcing her arrival. I look up from the book I'm shelving, a smile already forming on my lips. There's something about her presence that puts me at ease. There might even be a tiny part of my mind that thinks she's married to Santa Claus.

morning, Ava," she greets me warmly, her rheumy eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are

widening. "I'm doing well, Mrs. Elkins. Thank you again for the job and the apartment. I can't tell you how

sound that fills the space. "Oh, Ava, you don't have to

cheeks warm. "I'm just

over mine. Her touch is comforting, almost maternal. "The Novel Grind is a haven, Ava. It's a place for those who feel they don't quite fit

to hide how hard her words hit me. If only she knew just how much of

want you to find your happiness here," she continues, gesturing to the countless books surrounding us. "Among the thousands of realities written in these pages. There are worlds of possibilities waiting

glance around, taking in the shelves upon shelves of books. Each one holds a different story, a different life. Maybe, just maybe, I can find

thick with emotion. "I think I will." I rub my breastbone, feeling that now-familiar burn flare. Nothing eases the pain, but I've developed a habit of scrubbing at my sternum in hopes

me, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I have no doubt about that, my dear. No doubt at all. Now,

from my eyes in a discreet motion hidden behind adjusting my glasses. Carlos is my new co-worker. He's a few years older than me, kind and funny, and looks in my eyes when we talk. He treats me like an equal, and it's an amazing

to sign up for night classes

tense at the familiar scent. "That's great, dear. Excuse me. I'll take care of her. You finish

stranger, I keep them

for coffee, never once glancing

ease. Of course she is. It's not like anyone would have

the customer