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.

my mind. She sounds too cunning by far, pup. Watch yourself

paper and staring at the number as if it

don't dare speak out loud; I'm

scared you will take over the control she has in the pack. As the

That would make sense.

no interest in being part of any pack's internal politics. She's

my head. Do not mistake a man's intentions with random kindness, Ava. It

* * *

my attention. His expression is unreadable as he approaches my bedside, but then he leans down and brushes

he murmurs in greeting, the deep rumble of

off balance. Since I'm not in heat anymore, I'd assumed he would treat me like he did

his piercing gaze fixed on me with an intensity that makes me want to squirm. "I hear you refused

at his blunt statement. "I told your sister I

inscrutable. "And why is

to his tone that I can't quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation?

simply, holding his stare. "A job, an apartment. I appreciate your generosity, but I

slightly at my words. "It wasn't charity, Ava. It was an offer to take care of you, to provide for you as

told you, I don't want or

this life you're so eager to return to," he says at last. "What's so important that you'd

bristle at his prodding, my defenses rising. "Why does it matter?" I challenge. "It's my life. I don't

tightens infinitesimally, a muscle ticking there. "As the alpha who claimed you, even temporarily, it's my responsibility to ensure your safety and wellbeing. And as a true omega, I don't feel comfortable not being able to keep an eye on you until things

mouth to protest that he doesn't owe me anything, that what happened was a

his care so blatantly. You've already violated pack law by not