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.

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

but I have a

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

holding strong to that young adolescent defiance as Selene hums her approval

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

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 more. I'm here to

"Thanks." I feel guilty using a man's money when I have no interest

turning to leave. "Just don't go far. And be quick about

the 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.

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

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 the story. I toss in a couple of shirts from the clearance rack, too—might as well

so I beeline for the phone accessories. Burner phones

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

bag close to my body.

approval in

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

you ready? Selene

a deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready as

offer him a small wave as I approach.