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.

any brothers who follow me around when I'm buying stuff for my period," I

but I have

That would

for a few 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 defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head. He holds my gaze for a beat before letting

face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

thumbs through it. He peels off a few bills and hands them to me. "Here, get what you need. I'll wait by the entrance. Let me know if you need

man's money when I have no interest in sticking

already turning to leave. "Just don't go far. And

it should be

to make sure he's really leaving me alone, I head toward the personal products section to make it all

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 the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack,

coast is clear, so I beeline for

me a friendly smile that I return with a tight-lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to look over my shoulder, worried that Rowan might

to my body. The restroom is blessedly

approval

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

ready? Selene

steadying myself. "As ready as

offer