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?

not wolfless, she reminds me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me.

will we do?" I ask

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

* * *

sigh and fall onto the couch cushions, trying to let Selene's words wash over me.

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

frown tugs at my

nose. Exercise. Train your body as you would your mind. You

not completely soft. I've had to learn to run. But

to get fit. To toughen up, build muscle, increase

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

a slow nod, I steel my resolve. "Okay. What do

a week. I

she doesn't pry. "Of course, dear. As long as you can have your

washes over me. "Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really appreciate your

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

force a smile in return, her kindness lancing

calisthenics in the privacy of my small living room—push-ups, sit-ups, air squats, a hundred each. My muscles strain and burn with the unaccustomed exertion, but I grit my teeth

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