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.

my period," I say,

but I

see. 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 defiance as Selene hums her approval in my head.

letting triumph show on my face as he looks

off a few bills and hands them to me. "Here, get what you need. I'll wait by the

"Thanks." I feel guilty using a man's money when I have

"Just don't go

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

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

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

hand, I make my way back toward the electronics section, keeping an eye out for Rowan. The coast is clear, so I beeline for the phone accessories. Burner phones are easy enough to find, and I grab one along

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

the bag close to my

approval in

open the packaging for the burner phone and stuffing the plastic and cardboard into the trash makes me feel a little like a shoplifter, even though I already bought the things. I slip the phone itself into my pocket, along with the

ready? Selene

a deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready

just as he said he would be, and I offer him a small wave