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.

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

had the driver pick up some protein bars and smoothies. Here, have one of these."

small bite, grimacing at

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

pulls away from the curb. "What did you think? Wasn't that

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

condescending way. "Don't worry, you'll get used to

have had a delightful

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

you to is simply divine.

city is behind

as far as the eye can see. It's

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

tailed. One

sit up a little straighter, instinctively glancing

neck to peer out the rear window

a hint of impatience coloring

driver doesn't respond. Instead, 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