Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 31 Ava: Omega? (IV)

It's a man—no, a shifter—with a mane of auburn hair pulled back in a practical ponytail. His sharp features are softened by warm amber eyes that crinkle at the corners as he offers Clayton a respectful nod.

"The rogues have been taken care of," he says, his tone clipped and professional. "The authorities have been alerted, and our people are cleaning up the scene."

Clayton returns the nod, his expression grim. "Good work, Rowan. This is Ava—she was the target."

I study the newcomer with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. His nostrils flare as he takes in my scent, and his eyes widen almost imperceptibly. Before I can react, he takes an impulsive step forward, his gaze locked on me with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat.

Alarm bells blare in my mind, every instinct screaming at me to flee. But then Clayton moves swiftly, placing himself between Rowan and me in one fluid motion. He extends an arm, effectively halting Rowan's advance with a subtle shake of his head.

Rowan freezes, his eyes fluttering shut as he draws in a deep, steadying breath. When he opens them again, a flicker of shame crosses his features, and he dips his head in a silent apology.

"My apologies, Ava," he murmurs, his voice strained. "It isn't often we run into a true omega entering heat."

My brow furrows in confusion as I glance between the two shifters. "A true omega?" I echo uncertainly. "I've seen many omegas enter heat. It doesn't seem rare."

his stance, angling himself towards me as he studies me with a contemplative frown. "There are omegas by birth and omegas by rank," he explains, his deep voice measured and even. "Omegas by birth

as understanding dawns. So that's why Rowan reacted the way he did—because I'm supposedly this "true omega" they speak of. A shiver runs down my spine

gaze holds mine, his expression unreadable. "Is

and unwanted. I can't bring myself to answer, to reveal any part of that life

thick with unspoken questions and lingering tension. Finally, Clayton gives a slight nod, as if

you settled, and you can tell us what you're comfortable with when you're ready." He turns to Rowan, his

flickering towards me with a mixture of remorse and

shifters—an alpha and his beta, no less. And if what

the fuck is Selene when I need

where the

jacket tighter

to go back home. I want to be in my apartment, far away from so many shifters. From the alpha

I shiver uncontrollably. I draw in a shaky breath, smelling the ocean and pines

the movement

imposing figure catches my eye as he stands guard outside the vehicle. His broad shoulders are squared, his stance unwavering, every inch the powerful alpha he is. Yet there's a quiet strength about him,