Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 53 Clayton: His Mate

CLAYTON

The elevator dings and the doors slide open, revealing the penthouse lobby of the Silvermoon Pack's largest hotel. I step out, my boots sinking into the plush carpet. Xavier and Lucas are already there, lounging on the leather couches like a pair of lazy lions.

"Clayton!" Xavier booms, rising to his feet. He clasps my hand in a firm shake, clapping me on the back with his other hand. "Good to see you, my friend."

"You as well, Xavier." I return his hearty greeting with a grin. "Lucas, always a pleasure."

Lucas stands, his smile not quite reaching his eyes as we shake hands. There's a tension in his shoulders, a tightness around his jaw. Something's weighing on him.

We settle into the couches, the city skyline glittering beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Xavier leans back, crossing his ankles. "How were your flights, boys? No troubles, I hope?"

I shake my head. "Smooth sailing for me. No disturbances."

Lucas's mouth presses into a grim line. "I wish I could say the same. Got another report of a dead scout right after I landed."

The air in the room shifts, the jovial atmosphere evaporating like mist under the morning sun. Xavier's brows knit together. "Shit. Blackwood?"

"Who else?" Lucas growls, his fingers curling into fists on his knees. "He's getting bolder, pushing further into our territory."

I lean forward, elbows on my knees. "What's your game plan, Lucas? We can't let this stand." The Blackwood alpha has been a massive thorn in the Northwestern Council's side for years. There have been several scuffles between the two packs, but Blackwood has even had run-ins with shifters outside of the Northwestern Territories.

Lucas drags a hand down his face, his eyes hard as flint. "I'm working on it. But every time I think I've got a handle on their moves, they slip through my fingers like smoke. I can't get my hands on solid proof to bring to the Council."

Xavier's expression is grave. "Without evidence to bring to the Council, my hands are tied."

only if we make this a Council affair. There are other

eyes. "We sent Jessa Grey back to her pack. We used the official excuse that she hadn't asked for approval and was an unregistered guest in our territory,

locked on Lucas as he takes a deep, steadying breath. There's a weight in the air, a tension that goes beyond the usual strain

finally, the words

mouth parting slightly as if the

voice

Lunar Gala a few months back." A rueful smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. "You know how they say

remember the gala, the swirl of colors and music, the thrum of anticipation in the air as unmated wolves gathered in hopes of finding their other half. I haven't gone in years. To think that Lucas, of all people, had finally experienced that

asks, leaning forward.

his jaw tightening. "She's from the Blackwood

through me. The Blackwood Pack has always been shrouded in secrets, their motives inscrutable. To

happen?" I ask, my mind

dangerous to keep around, even

Lucas, a knowing glint in his eyes. "You rejected her, didn't you?"

reconciling. I left for a few days to

hangs in the air as Lucas finishes speaking, the weight of his words settling over us. I can see

trace, it would shatter me. The mere idea of her being ripped away is enough to make my wolf howl in agony. He's obsessed with her, and I have to admit that I am too. We don't have a fated connection, but

swallow hard, pushing the thought away before it can consume

firm with conviction. "The Aspen Pack stands with you. We'll leave no

brother. The Silvermoon Pack will lend whatever aid is required to bring your mate home. Ava's a good child, very different from her family and alpha. You're a lucky

long breath. "I can't lose her again. It took a long time to find her. I hear Blackwood started

Xavier's brow arches. "Back?"

"She ran off after I

apologizes, smacking Lucas on the shoulder. "You're in for a ride with that one," he says, and Lucas laughs,

easily," he agrees, and for a second, we're all