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."

* * *

up to something stabbing me in my ass,

aren't as bad, and there's something

the buttcheek being stabbed, I'm feeling

blindly between the couch cushions until

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

Weird.

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

for my phone on the coffee table, nearly knocking over a glass of water in the process. The screen lights up, blaring the time into my

in yesterday. I

photo, I send it to Mrs. Elkins with a

in my couch. Is

lifts her head, her icy blue

When I run my fingers

My phone buzzes.

ELKINS: No, dear, that's not mine. Never seen it before. Are you feeling better? Get

wedged in the cushions and got knocked loose during all

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

concern, I heave myself off the couch, disrupting Selene in the process.

to go pee,

not mine. She's just a dog who shoved

if you go, I'm going to call Animal Control and have them take you back again. Got

blink at

reason with a dog? I've spent too much time around

the front door, but