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.

a break to grab a bite to eat. But Ivy merely waves a dismissive

there's no need. I had the driver pick up some protein bars and smoothies. Here, have one of these."

it dubiously but take a small bite, grimacing at the

of shopping torture, Ivy seems satisfied with her haul. We pile back into the sleek sedan, and I sink gratefully into the plush leather seat, massaging my sore

the driver pulls away from the curb. "What did you

a sidelong glance, too worn out to muster much enthusiasm. "It

lightly, patting my knee in a disturbingly condescending way. "Don't worry, you'll get used

voice echoes in my head. Well, I for one have had a delightful day lounging on the couch and watching

I've learned the art of tuning her out while still nodding and

taking you to is simply divine. The chef is an absolute genius. You'll love

I murmur absently, gazing out the window. The city is behind us, and we're

out as far as the eye can see. It's like a

she's taking me to, but I've long since tuned her out. That is, until the driver's gruff voice cuts through

tailed. One

little straighter, instinctively glancing

falls silent, craning her neck to peer out the rear window with

demands, a hint of impatience coloring her

respond. Instead, he hits the brakes hard, the tires of our luxury sedan shrieking in protest. My body lurches violently against