Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 52 Ava: Its Personal

Why not tell him you need to buy some sensitive things you don't want him around for? Selene asks.

It isn't that I hadn't thought of that—but the electronics section is far from someplace that sells menstrual products.

"What's wrong?" Rowan asks, and I realize with a start that I'm scowling in his direction.

Oops. "Nothing, I just—" I nibble on my thumbnail, trying my best to look a little distraught. "I need some things, but I didn't think you'd be following me the entire time, so…"

Rowan smiles in relief, thinking he understands. "It's fine. You can get anything you want. Clayton can afford it. He's obnoxiously loaded."

I was worried my acting was too much, but I guess it's not enough. I wrinkle my nose and shift from foot to foot. After a moment, I start rubbing one arm, as if I'm beyond uncomfortable with my request.

I was never a very whiny teenager, but I'm trying to channel one anyway.

"Oh, no, it's not that it's expensive, but—you know. Personal."

"Personal… Oh. Oh." Rowan's furrowed brow clears as he looks me over. "It's fine. I have younger sisters."

I stare at Rowan in exasperation, giving up my shy act as I settle my hands on my hips.

This guy really has no clue.

I don't have any brothers who follow me around when I'm buying stuff for my period," I say,

but I have a

That would be…" His words trail off, and

moments, locked in an uncomfortable silence. I raise an eyebrow, challenging him to just let me have this bit of privacy, holding strong to that young adolescent

triumph show on my face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something

his back pocket, Rowan pulls out a sleek black wallet and thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me.

money when I have no interest in sticking around the way

once, already turning to leave. "Just

Something about the store being well-guarded, so it should be okay. I shake

leaving me alone, I head toward the personal

tampons and pads, trying not to linger too long on any one brand or box. It's not like I really need them right now, but the act sells

toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I

tight-lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look

off to the bathroom, clutching the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I duck into

hums her approval in my

trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself

ready? Selene

steadying myself. "As ready

said he would be, and I offer him a small wave as I approach. "All set,"