Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

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.

smile and

will." He taps my nose, his disappointment already hidden. "Set up your phone.

if it's hacked. I'll just get a new burner

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

a little faster. Without Clayton, it'll probably be easier for me to

again, with a

* * *

The city is huge.

to the much smaller human city of White

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 laughter mingling

used to the quiet, the solitude of my little town. Here, everything is bigger,

his eyes scanning the crowd. He

store. Its windows are filled with mannequins dressed

are polished marble, the ceilings high and adorned with

feel out of place 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

through the aisles, and I steal glances at Rowan. He's different now, more relaxed and easy-going.

just Rowan, warm and friendly, a steady presence at my side. If I didn't already know,

nervous, the constant

humans. I'd noticed in White Peak and Cedarwood that

toward me and scent the

it the presence of Rowan, or is

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

That's going to make

than hiding, it would be more prudent to get