Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 44 Lucas: Shocking Return

LUCAS

The highway flies by in a blur of white lines and endless pine forests as I grip the steering wheel tightly with one hand, the other holding a cigarette I shouldn't be having. I quit smoking a long time ago, but the past forty-eight hours have been hell.

I didn't get to see Ava for a couple days after flying out when I got the news that our scout was murdered, his body hanging between the Blackwood and Westwood territories. I don't even know what Ava thought of my note taped to her dining table, explaining that I'd be back as soon as I could.

Is she grateful I'm not there? Or is she missing me?

My cell phone is pressed between my ear and shoulder while I shout into it in between puffs of the cancer-causing burn stick I've been craving for the past twenty miles.

"I don't give a flying fuck, Kellan," I growl, cutting off his protest. "I'm not leaving Washington for the next three days, so don't even fucking think about calling me back there."

"Lucas, come on. The Blackwoods—"

"Aren't going to do anything first." My jaw clenches as I take a sharp turn, tires screeching. "You know they're trying to bait us into the first move. We have no proof the Blackwoods killed him. Until we do, we can't do shit. And since we can't do shit, I need to see Ava."

"You're playing a dangerous game, Alpha." Kellan's sigh crackles through the speaker. "If Blackwood finds out you're sniffing around Grey's daughter..."

"He'll what? Start a war?" I let out a harsh laugh. "He won't alienate his allies. He's hoping they'll help him when the war comes. He won't take the first step."

"It changes everything and you know it."

I can practically hear Kellan's disapproved frown. He's been frustrated, saying my obsession with Ava keeps me too far from the pack and the issues going on there.

He's not wrong, but nothing is more important than my mate.

to bring her home. Once I do that, everything will fall into

picture Ava's face, those wide blue eyes that so easily sucker-punch me with so many feelings. "I'm finally making progress. I'm

if she doesn't

the air, but I refuse to consider the possibility. Ava and I are meant to be

I say firmly. "I'll make her

have a

to adjust myself without taking my hands off the wheel. It's been months since I

body. I want to bury myself inside her tight heat and

fanned across the pillow as I hover over her. I'd take my time with her, worshipping

against the confines of my zipper. I press down on the gas pedal, urging the

Kellan's response before

feel a sense of anticipation building in my gut. I'm so close now, just a few more miles until

any of the other bullshit waiting for me back home. All

fantasizing about. The thought brings a wolfish grin to my face as I take the exit

scanning the cozy interior for any sign of Ava. The scent of coffee and old books usually brings a sense of comfort, but today it only fuels my anxiety. She's not behind the counter, and

Fuck. Where is she?

Elkins catches my eye from her usual table, waving me over with a

me, her voice

perch on the edge

"That's what I was hoping you could tell me. She hasn't shown up for work in the past couple of days. No call, no explanation.

clenches painfully in my chest. Ava's missing. I leave

leave on her

is it something more

have been looking for