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,

circumstances. She has been enduring severe mistreatment and neglect from her own family, with Beta Alexander Grey being the primary perpetrator of cruelty. Furthermore,

assault by numerous pack members and is treated as an outcast

motivated by a

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

a wolfless shifter—she is basically human. It seems that

believed that her 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

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

has been seen attending Luna training, but Alpha

of Alpha Blackwood's former lovers. He has seven lovers at this time, trying to breed proper alpha

return to the Westwood Pack as soon as possible

Westwood, I urge you to consider this information carefully. The Blackwood Pack's treatment of Ava and their apparent disregard for her well-being raise serious concerns

this knowledge wisely to protect not only Ava

Your loyal scout,

Ethan Hawke

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 no wolf. Probably no enhanced strength, or sight, or ability to scent

is our fated, my wolf insists, snarling and snapping at the air. We would normally know once her wolf appears, but she has no wolf. That is why the connection is only to one piece of

revelation yanks the breath out of

make sense. The Blackwood Pack never did anything to her. And if I were to be fully honest, the connection had begun on sight, before

to

And you threw our

Shit.