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.

she greets me warmly, her rheumy eyes crinkling at the corners. "How are you doing today? Settling in

for the job and

Elkins laughs, a melodious sound that fills the space. "Oh, Ava, you don't

warm.

a haven, Ava. It's

my lashes in a desperate attempt to hide how hard her words hit me. If only she knew just how much

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

Each one holds a different story, a different life. Maybe, just maybe, I can find my

voice 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 of easing

a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I have no doubt about that, my dear. No doubt at all. Now, tell me, is Carlos treating you well? Not

back a laugh, I wipe the tears 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

has been treating me very well," I say, my voice filled with genuine warmth. "He's even helped me prepare to sign up for night classes this summer, since I probably won't have a car yet.

noticing how I tense at the familiar scent. "That's great,

older woman heads toward the stranger,

is only here for

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

the customer leaves, feeling a little more secure in