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.

don't have any brothers who follow me around when I'm buying stuff for my period," I say, channeling my inner dramatic teenager, instead. We all

I have a

That would be…"

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

fight from letting triumph show on my face as he looks

into 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. "Here, get what you need.

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

turning to leave. "Just don't

so it should be okay. I shake my

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

few 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 make this little

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

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

the bag close to my body. The restroom is blessedly empty, and I

hums her approval in my

the plastic and cardboard into the trash makes me feel a little like

you ready? Selene

take a deep breath, steadying myself. "As ready as

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