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

being stabbed, I'm

I feel around blindly between the couch cushions until something cold

A slender, deep purple crystal, tapered at both ends, hanging off an elegant gold chain. For

Weird.

it before. Did it fall

over a glass of water in the process. The screen lights up, blaring the time into my

yesterday. I would have slept

I send it to

in my couch. Is it

my attention to the other end of the couch. Selene lifts her head, her icy blue

out raspy, my throat still raw from sleep. When I run my fingers through her thick fur, she leans into my touch, her tail thumping against

My phone buzzes.

mine. Never seen it before. Are you feeling

been wedged in the cushions and got

I'm doing better. I should be at

the couch, disrupting Selene in the

need to go

but—she's not mine. She's just a dog who shoved her way into my house last

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

blink at me, guileless

trying to reason with a dog? I've spent

front door, but not before