Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 19 Lucas: Realization (II)

LUCAS

His spine straightens in an instant, and his face goes blank. "Of course not, Alpha. I only worry that this obsession with the Blackwood girl is distracting you from what really matters."

I stand in a swift motion, my chair scraping against the floor. Inexplicable rage fans the flames of months of irritation and frustration. "What matters is the safety and security of our pack. If the alpha of Blackwood is plotting against us, if they're using Ava as a pawn in their twisted game, then it is my duty to uncover the truth. Don't you agree?"

He takes a step back, his head bowed in submission. "I understand, Alpha. Forgive me for overstepping."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. "Your concern is noted, Delta. But I need you to trust me on this. I know what I'm doing."

He nods, his expression still blank. "Of course, Alpha. I'll leave you to your work."

With that, he turns and leaves the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. I sink back into my chair, rubbing a hand over my face. The letter from the scout lies on my desk, taunting me with the promise of new information.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I try to quell the maelstrom of emotions raging within me. I know I need to approach this situation with a clear head, to separate my personal feelings from the cold, hard facts. But it's easier said than done when it comes to Ava.

With a heavy sigh, I unfold the missive, my eyes scanning the contents. Each word is like a punch to the gut, and I feel my heart sinking lower and lower with every line. The letter shakes in my hands as I read, a cold fury seeping into my bones with every damning word.

To:

From: [email protected]

Subject: URGENT: For Alpha's Eyes Only

Attachment: Report.docx

Alpha Westwood,

information regarding Ava's circumstances. She has been enduring severe mistreatment and neglect from her own family, with Beta Alexander Grey being the primary perpetrator of cruelty. Furthermore, her mother and siblings have

is consistently subjected to assault by numerous pack members and is

attendance at college has raised eyebrows among the pack. However, rumors suggest that this allowance was motivated by a desire to remove her from his immediate vicinity. Notably, Ava has been working independently to

before midnight. Surprisingly, the Blackwood Pack has made no effort to locate her or ensure her safety. It appears they have simply

revelations are, there is more to the story. My source within the Blackwood Pack has confided in me that Ava is a wolfless shifter—she is basically human. It

family's genes would be passed down to her offspring, potentially increasing their combat power in the next generation. They do not believe her defect would be passed down. My source believes that once she proved her ability to bear children, Alpha

increasing his power in the Council. It is uncertain if this alliance is friendly or with darker designs in mind.

training, but Alpha Blackwood has

one of Alpha Blackwood's former lovers. He has seven lovers at this time, trying to breed proper alpha heirs. Shortly after our meeting, my

the Westwood Pack as

information carefully. The Blackwood Pack's treatment of Ava and their apparent disregard for her well-being raise serious concerns about the

this knowledge wisely to protect not only

Your loyal scout,

Ethan Hawke

letter down, my mind reeling from the implications of its contents. Ava is a wolfless shifter. My mind focused on that, remembering her delicate face behind those thick-framed glasses. So, the glasses were real. She has

is our fated, my wolf insists, snarling and snapping at the air. We would normally know once her wolf

breath out of

connection would make sense. The Blackwood Pack never did anything to her. And if I were to be fully honest,

had to

wolf growls. And you threw

Shit.