Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 47 Ava: The Apartment

The apartment Clayton talked about is in the middle of the city, in a high-rise that towers above every other building in the area. It reeks of money.

I follow Clayton through the opulent lobby, cringing as my sneakers squeak against the polished marble floor. I don't belong here, in this sleek, luxury-through-minimalism space.

Two large men in crisp suits stand by the entrance, their eyes following our every move.

"Guards?" I murmur to Clayton, trying to keep my voice casual despite the unease prickling up my spine.

He nods once, ushering me towards the elevators. "For the human residents, yes. We aim to avoid any incidents between humans and shifters."

My eyebrows lift at that, and I risk a sidelong glance at him as we step into the empty elevator car. "Incidents happen often around here?"

Clayton's expression darkens momentarily as he hits the button for the top floor. "Not often," he allows. "But no pack is immune. There are always hotheads who lack control, rogues who seek chaos. We have to take precautions."

I absorb that silently, my mind whirling. It was not infrequent to hear my father complaining about young idiots who wandered into the human territory and harmed or killed humans. The Blackwood Pack didn't treat humans well. It's different here.

I've seen the differences firsthand, but I still didn't expect humans and shifters to live in the same building.

The top floor is exclusive. You can see it at first glance; there are only two doors, despite the long hallway. There should be plenty of room for other apartments, yet there aren't any.

on the left, his hand a warm weight against the small of my back.

sweet home," he says, unlocking the door and waving me

the back of the apartment. It has an open floor plan, bringing in all the natural

turn in a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the state-of-the-art kitchen tucked into an

murmur despite

Clayton prompts, watching me closely. There's a glint of something like pride in his eyes as he

such personal arrangements for me. "It's very nice," I manage. "But really,

over this. For

bristle at his words, that simmering sense of independence that has kept me going all these years flaring to life. "I don't need your protection," I argue, lifting my chin to

tone laced with a sharp edge. "Before you

my belly. Clayton holds my stare, his eyes glittering with a mixture of challenge and

a low rumble. "But the truth is, you're a rare thing in our world, Ava. An omega with immense power that you don't fully understand

my mouth to protest, but Selene's warning rings in my

least until we can find a

nod. "Fine. I'll stay here for now."

he inclines his head in acceptance. "Good. Get settled in. My apartment is across the hall, so I won't be far.

went shopping?" I hadn't even thought about a change of clothes. I'm wearing some that Clayton had brought over, but I didn't think he'd bought an

also stocked, but I'm not sure if anything is to your taste. Someone did bring some dog food