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.

brothers who follow me around when I'm buying stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic

but I

throat. "Oh, I see. That would be…" His words trail off, and he

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

face as he looks to the ceiling, mouthing something I

back pocket, Rowan pulls out a sleek black wallet and 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

the cash, relief flooding through me. "Thanks." I feel guilty using a man's money when I

leave. "Just don't go far. And

faint sound of his mutterings. Something about the store being well-guarded, so it should be okay. I shake my head, tucking the money into my pocket. At least he's finally

sure he's really leaving me alone, I head

box. It's not like I really need them right now, but the act

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

friendly smile that I return with a tight-lipped one of my own. I have to resist the urge to

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

her approval

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

ready?

myself. "As ready as I'll

waiting by the entrance, just as he said he would be, and I offer him a small wave as I approach.