Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 56 Ava: A Sudden Situation

Before I know it, the salesgirl is ushering me into the dressing room with an armload of clothes. I spend what feels like hours trying on outfit after outfit, parading out for Ivy's critical eye.

"Hmm, I don't love that one," she says, wrinkling her nose at a slinky black dress. "Next."

I obediently retreat back behind the curtain, shimmying out of the dress and into a pair of high-waisted trousers and a silk camisole. When I reemerge, Ivy claps her hands delightedly.

"That's the one! You look so chic. We'll take it. Actually, just keep it on. It looks better than what I brought over."

This Ivy is so different from the Ivy I've been treated to up to this point, and I'm dizzy with whiplash.

The process repeats at what seems like a dozen different stores throughout the afternoon. Shoes, dresses, blouses, skirts, pants... by the time we hit the fourth boutique, I'm fairly certain I've tried on more outfits today than I have in my entire life.

My feet are screaming in protest from the endless parade of heels Ivy insists I model. I'm parched from barely having a chance to grab a bottle of water.

But Ivy seems to be having the time of her life, reveling in her role as personal shopper and stylist. She flits around me like a deranged fairy godmother, clucking over hemlines and admiring how certain colors bring out my eyes.

"You have such a great figure, Ava," she gushes as I self-consciously smooth my hands over my hips in a skintight black pencil skirt. "We simply must get you some things to show it off properly."

I force a tight smile, feeling distinctly uncomfortable under her appraising stare. Revealing clothes have never been my thing—I much prefer loose, flowy fabrics that skim over my curves rather than clinging to them.

point, I try to politely extricate myself, suggesting we take a break to grab a bite to

Here, have one of these." She tosses me some sort of chalky-looking nutrition

small bite, grimacing at the gritty, tasteless lump. So much

seems satisfied with her haul. We pile back into the sleek sedan, and I sink gratefully

prompts expectantly as the driver pulls away from

glance, too worn out

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Just think of all the other fun things we can do together

my head. Well, I for one have had a delightful day lounging on the couch and watching my shows. No uncomfortable

away beside me, oblivious to my silent exchange with my wolf companion. I've learned the art of tuning her out while still nodding and making vague affirming noises at regular intervals to keep

simply divine.

gazing out the window. The city is behind us, and we're driving through a

with perfectly manicured lawns and white picket fences stretch out as far as the eye

on about the trendy new restaurant she's taking me to, but I've long since tuned her out. That

One car, a

a little

falls silent, craning her neck to peer out

she demands, a hint of impatience

he hits the brakes hard, the tires of our luxury sedan shrieking in protest. My body lurches violently against the restraints of my seatbelt as the car swerves, the momentum nearly