Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 15 Ava: Dreamless

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

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As I pet Selene, I realize she hasn't shown much interest in the boxes scattered around the apartment. Most dogs would be all over them, sniffing and investigating every corner. Selene seems content to ignore them, focusing instead on the windows and the bedroom.

"I just moved in, you know," I find myself saying, my voice rough and scratchy. "Haven't had a chance to unpack everything yet." The words feel strange, talking to a dog like she can understand me. But there's something comforting about it, too. A connection, however one-sided it might be.

Selene tilts her head, her blue eyes fixed on mine as if she's listening intently. I smile, despite the aches and chills wracking my body. "You're a good listener, aren't you? Maybe I should keep you around."

The thought is tempting. It would be nice to have some company, especially on days like this when I feel so miserable.

But no. I need to be responsible.

I let my head fall back against the couch cushions, my hand still resting on Selene's head. The fever is making my thoughts fuzzy, my mind wandering down strange paths. Talking to a dog like she's a person, considering keeping her even though I know I can't.

It's the sickness talking, I tell myself. The delirium of a fever-addled brain.

"I must be losing it," I mutter, closing my eyes. "Talking to a dog like you can understand me. Next thing you know, I'll be having full conversations with the walls."

Selene whines softly, as if in sympathy. I crack one eye open to look at her, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Don't worry, I'm not that far gone yet. But if I start talking to the furniture, feel free to stage an intervention."

She wags her tail, and I swear there's a glint of amusement in her eyes. Or I'm just giving humanity to a dog because I've spent my entire life around wolves with human souls in them.

I let my eyes drift closed again. The medicine should be kicking in soon, hopefully bringing some relief.

"Thanks for the company," I whisper, my words slurring as I start to drift off. "You're a good dog, Selene. A real good dog."

* * *

wake up to something stabbing me in my ass, but

all-over body aches aren't as bad, and there's something warm

the buttcheek being stabbed,

feel around blindly between the couch cushions until something cold and pointy jabs

slender, deep purple crystal, tapered at both ends, hanging off an elegant gold chain. For a second, it feels like my fingers tingle where I touch it, but

Weird.

from? I've never seen it before. Did it fall out of one of Mrs.

over a glass of water

called in yesterday. I would have

it to

this in my couch.

couch. Selene lifts her

My voice comes out raspy, my throat still raw from sleep. When I run my

My phone buzzes.

ELKINS: No, dear, that's not mine. Never seen it

cushions and got

doing better. I should be at work tomorrow! Thanks,

the couch,

to go pee,

of me is too worried that she won't come back, but—she's not mine. She's just a dog who shoved her way

come back, I'll keep you. But if you go, I'm going to call

blink at me, guileless and

a dog?

my head, I let Selene out the front door, but not before peeking around first.