Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 46 Ava: Living Arrangements?!

I eye Ivy warily as she smiles at me, that warm expression not quite reaching her sharp gaze. "Clayton sent me to ensure you settle into your new lodgings comfortably. He personally chose the apartment himself and hopes it will suit you."

I fight the frown that wants to curl my lips down. "That's very kind of him, but I don't need a place to stay. I'd prefer to just return home, if it's all the same."

Ivy's smile doesn't falter, but there's a calculating glint in her eyes now. "And where is home for you, Ava? No one has managed to get even that basic information out of you yet."

I hesitate, my heart giving a hard thump against my ribs. Telling this woman anything about my past or my origins feels unwise, and thinking that way makes me feel guilty. After all, everyone in this pack has treated me so kindly, even during my most embarrassing moments.

Pressing my lips together, I refuse as politely as I can. "I just want to return home. I appreciate the offer, but you all have done too much for me as it is."

Ivy watches me closely. "I see," she murmurs. "Well, I'll let Clayton know that you refused." She sounds a little too satisfied.

I watch Ivy closely as she takes my hands in hers, searching her face for any hint of deception. There's something almost too sincere in the way she looks at me. The gentle curve of her lips doesn't match the hardness of her eyes.

"Take care of yourself, Ava," she says softly, giving my hands a gentle squeeze before releasing them.

"Thank you." I'm not really sure how else to respond. She acts so concerned, and yet she's met me for all of two minutes.

Ivy turns and crosses the room, plucking a pen from the small table beside the door. She scribbles something on the pad of paper there before tearing off the sheet and placing it in my hands.

"That's my number. In case you need anything at all, don't hesitate to call me."

With that, she's gone, the door clicking shut quietly behind her.

I let out a slow breath, glancing at the paper with her looping handwriting scrawled across it.

growl echoes in my mind. She sounds too cunning by far, pup. Watch yourself around

frown, picking up the paper and staring at the number as if it might reveal Ivy's true intentions. You think she's up

don't dare speak out loud; I'm sure Ivy would

take over the control she has in the pack. As the alpha's sister,

That would make sense.

interest in being part of any

a soft sound of dissent in my head. Do not mistake a man's intentions with random kindness, Ava. It will only cause harm

* * *

commanding my attention. His expression is unreadable as he approaches my bedside, but then he

the deep rumble of his voice sending an involuntary shiver down

anymore, I'd assumed he would treat me like he did when we first met. "Alpha Clayton," I reply, proud

on me with an intensity that makes me want to squirm. "I

his blunt statement. "I told your sister I

inscrutable. "And why

an edge to his tone that I can't quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip the thin hospital blanket tightly in my fists,

I say simply, holding his stare. "A job, an

charity, Ava. It was an offer to take care of you, to provide for you as is my duty and privilege as

at the reference to the passion of the past week. I shake my head. "I told

eager to return to," he says at last. "What's so important that

rising. "Why does it matter?" I

wellbeing. And as a true

me anything, that

fool, Ava. He's the alpha. You don't want to provoke his wolf by refusing his care so blatantly. You've already