Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 55 Ava: Shopping With Ivy

For someone who doesn't want children, he could have fooled me last week, Selene says, yawning in amusement.

Shut up, I hiss at her, smiling at Ivy. "I'm sorry for startling you."

"It's fine." She waves a hand, looking me over with some caution. "As long as you're okay."

I continue eating, trying to keep my composure after that awkward moment. Ivy hesitates, seeming unsure if she should continue eating as well. The silence between us grows thick and uncomfortable. I rack my brain for something to say, but the tension is stifling.

Finally, Ivy clears her plate and stands. "Well, I should get going. Thank you for having me over."

I stand as well, unsure of the protocol. "Of course. Thanks for the gifts."

She steps forward and kisses both my cheeks, catching me off guard. "I'll see you around, Ava."

And with that, she's gone, leaving me alone in the apartment. I collapse onto the plush couch, mentally exhausted from the visit. What was the point of all that? She seemed nice enough, but there's just something so weird about how she acts. Judgment? Suspicion?

I can't quite put my finger on it.

Selene pads over and hops up beside me, resting her head on my lap. She certainly is an interesting one.

"You're telling me," I mutter, running my fingers through her soft fur. "I can't figure out her angle."

I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. There's something off about that one.

I frown, staring at the gifts she left on the counter. "You think so? She seems harmless enough to me."

breath. Just be careful around her. And her brother, for

our intimate encounter flashes through my mind, heat creeping up my neck. "What's

be careful. His

at Selene. "You guys can talk

blue husky eyes seem to find my intelligence lacking. It's only humans who are limited in their

I see.

I ask as casually as

head away with a sharp snort. I

Ouch.

* * *

sound of Selene's excited yips and the thump of her tail against the bed frame. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I peer over at her lounging on the couch, watching the same cheesy shifter romance, but this time

a pillow in her general direction. She dodges it easily, not even bothering

sunshine, she replies, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

to know that show is garbage," I shoot at her, before heading into the

if I'm free to go shopping with her today. I

should go, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. It'll be good for you to get out of the

I murmur, typing out a non-committal response. "Ivy kind of makes me uncomfortable

there's a knock at the door. I open it to find Ivy standing there, looking impeccably put together as always. She

you're ready," she says breezily, brushing past me into the apartment. "I took the liberty of picking out

garment bag, unzipping it to reveal a silky turquoise blouse and lightweight gray pants.

you already brought me clothes yesterday," I protest weakly. "And

look great. Now go get changed—the car

never once agreed to go