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?

wolfless, she reminds me, settling on the couch after a few circles. You are strong. You have me.

will we do?" I

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

* * *

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

me with an intent stare. You cannot keep

at my lips.

arm with her cold, wet nose. Exercise. Train your body as you would your mind. You cannot rely solely on me to protect

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

up, build muscle, increase my stamina. A tremor of trepidation runs through me, but I can't deny the logic in

anyone from my pack—comes for me again, I need to be able to defend myself. My only

resolve. "Okay.

Elkins with a request to leave work early three days a week. I spin a vague story about a class I've

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

"Thank you, Mrs. Elkins. I really

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

in return, her kindness lancing through

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 and

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