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.

down the corridor to the door on the left, his hand a warm weight against the small of my back. I

unlocking the door and waving me

apartment is stunning. There are huge windows all along the back of the apartment. It has an open floor plan, bringing in all the natural light, and even with the furniture that Clayton has provided,

a slow circle, taking in the high ceilings, the modern furnishings, the

I murmur

of something like pride in his eyes as he surveys my reaction.

surge of discomfort at the thought of him making such personal arrangements for me. "It's very nice," I manage. "But really, it's too

Clayton steps closer, his height and physical presence suddenly overwhelming. "We've been over

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

tone laced with a sharp edge. "Before you went into a heat so potent that

Clayton holds my

under control," he continues in 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

to protest, but Selene's warning rings in my

Play along for now, at least until we can find

I'll stay here for now." The words feel

Clayton's jaw, but he inclines his head in acceptance. "Good. Get settled in. My apartment is across the hall, so I won't be far. There are clothes in the bedroom; I had my secretary shop for them. Of course, we can go shopping if they aren't in

a change of clothes. I'm wearing some that Clayton

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