Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Ava: A Familiar Scent

Selene growls, pacing as she sniffs every corner of the room. Her hackles are stiff. Even though she's just a dog right now, it's still intimidating.

That bastard was here, Selene confirms, after sniffing around the bedroom. He won't harm you. Her lip curls back into a soft snarl. I can smell his regret with every step he took.

I collapse, my legs too weak to hold me up. That refreshed, revitalized feeling is gone. Only fear remains.

"What am I going to do? I can't stay here. If he found me, that means Dad can find me."

Perhaps. Selene stretches with a large yawn. I would not worry yet, cub. You are not as defenseless as you once were, and you cannot run forever.

"But—"

You cannot run forever, Selene repeats forcefully, and I fall silent, struggling against the panic fluttering against my ribcage. One day, you might have to fight back.

Fight back?

I'd never imagined fighting back.

How can a wolfless defect fight back?

couch after a few

we do?" I

Live, she says simply. Just as you have been. Do not

* * *

fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene's words wash over me. Live. Just live. It sounds so simple when she says it

with an intent stare. You cannot keep going as you have been, though. Your body is soft. Weak. You must

my lips.

body as you would your mind. You cannot rely solely on

had to learn to run.

get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase

to be able to defend myself. My only chance at true freedom is becoming strong enough to

slow nod, I steel my resolve.

next morning, I approach Mrs. Elkins with a request to leave work early three days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I've decided to take, not daring to reveal

course, dear. As long as you can have your work done before you leave, I don't mind

Mrs. Elkins. I

one of her warm, grandmotherly smiles. "Not a problem,

return, her kindness lancing through

calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room—push-ups, sit-ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain

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