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."

* * *

to something stabbing me in my ass, but also—no

and there's something warm and heavy

from the buttcheek being stabbed,

butt, I feel around blindly between the couch cushions until something cold and pointy jabs at my

off an

Weird.

hell did this come from? I've never seen it before. Did it fall out of one of Mrs. Elkins'

fumble for my phone on the coffee table, nearly knocking over a glass of water

called in yesterday. I would have

it to Mrs.

Found this in my

to the other end of the couch. Selene lifts her head, her icy blue eyes fixed on

run my fingers through her thick fur, she leans into my touch, her tail

My phone buzzes.

it

been wedged in the cushions and got knocked loose during all my tossing and

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

off the

Dogs need to go pee,

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

come back, I'll keep you. But if you go, I'm going to call Animal Control and have them take you

at me,

am I doing, trying to reason with a dog?

Selene out the front door, but