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

number as if it might reveal Ivy's true

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

take over the control she has in

That would make sense.

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

mistake a man's intentions with random kindness, Ava. It will only cause harm for

* * *

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 his voice sending an involuntary

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

my bed, his piercing gaze fixed on me with an intensity that makes me want to

his blunt statement. "I told your sister

is still inscrutable. "And why is

an edge to his tone that I can't quite read. Protectiveness? Irritation? I grip the

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

Ava. It was an offer to take care of you, to provide for you as is

past week. I shake my head. "I told you, I don't want or need anything more from your

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

rising. "Why does it matter?" I challenge.

jaw 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

anything, that what happened

his care so blatantly. You've already violated pack law by not announcing your presence when you moved