Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 51

Chapter 51 Ava: Clayton's Departure

Clayton's shoulders stiffen, and he sighs. "You'll be safe as long as you stay within the pack," he says, his voice tight.

My heart skips a beat at his words.

"I'm going to have to go out on a quick trip," Clayton continues, and my eyes widen.

A trip? Where? And why?

The questions are burning on the tip of my tongue, but I bite them back, not wanting to draw attention to myself. Besides, I don't need to know.

Instead, I force a small smile and say, "I hope you have a safe trip."

Clayton nods, his expression softening as he meets my gaze. "Thank you, Ava."

For a moment, I think he's going to say more, but then he seems to think better of it. He takes a step towards me, and my heart rate picks up, my body tensing involuntarily.

"Can I have a goodbye kiss?" he asks, his voice low and rough.

I swallow hard, my mouth dry. A part of me wouldn't mind feeling his lips on mine again, knowing the passion that can erupt between us.

But a much larger part of me holds me back.

So instead of leaning in, I turn my head slightly, offering him my cheek. His lips brush against my skin, warm and soft, and I feel a shiver run down my spine despite myself.

As he pulls back, I can't help but notice the flicker of disappointment in his eyes, and I have to fight the urge to apologize.

force another smile and

his disappointment already hidden. "Set up

point wondering if it's hacked. I'll just get a new burner as soon as I

up on you. Try staying inside. Rowan will be by this afternoon, and if you need

faster. Without Clayton, it'll

say again, with a smile. "Thank

* * *

The city is huge.

city of White Peak—well, you can't really compare them. They're different

as I take it all in. Skyscrapers tower overhead, their glass facades glinting in the sunlight. The sidewalks are packed with people, all rushing to their destinations, their chatter and

overwhelming, the sheer size and energy of it all. I'm used to the

at Rowan, who's walking beside me, his eyes scanning the crowd. He seems

me towards a large department store. Its windows are filled with mannequins dressed

the ceilings high and adorned with glittering chandeliers. The air is perfumed with the scent of

in my simple jeans and t-shirt, even with the brand names on their labels—something I'd found excessive, but I'm learning that Clayton doesn't know the meaning of frugal—but Rowan doesn't seem to notice. He's too busy keeping an eye on our surroundings, his gaze

now, more relaxed and easy-going. During my heat,

there's none of that tension between us. He's just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn't already know, I never would have suspected him to be the beta

like this. The crowds make me nervous, the constant movement and

mingling with humans. I'd noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that they never looked twice at

glance toward me and scent the

of Rowan,

smell your power, Selene says, calm as ever. You no longer smell

to make hiding a

than hiding, it would be more prudent to

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