Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 59 Ava: Homecoming (I)

When I walk downstairs, Phoenix is hanging up the phone. It strikes me how much I've changed when I realize I have no curiosity, no spark to ask who he was talking to.

I don't care.

It's either related to me in a way that isn't going to be pleasant, or it will have nothing to do with me. That's it. Those are the two options.

I have no urge to grow closer to the asshole who shares my genetics, so I don't ask.

Instead, I plan.

I won't be able to escape right away. I'm not even sure how I can escape. I have no money, no phone, no contact with the outside world. But now that I've been out there? Now that I've been on my own?

It doesn't seem as impossible as it did when I lived here.

If I just have a chance, I'll take it.

"Some of the guys will be coming by to watch over you," Phoenix announces, coming by to sniff at me. "Don't start anything. There's plenty in the fridge, so just make something for dinner. Don't forget that Alpha Renard is coming."

Hah. So not only have I been dragged home, now I have to make them dinner?

No, thank you.

the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I've

lingers nearby, his frown deepening as I lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. He's struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the disappointment I am. The other part is trying to play nice, to lull me into a false

the satisfaction of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly

hair and a roguish grin. The over-the-top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as

cheesy shifter romance Selene had

in my chest sharpens as I take it all in, judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A lump forms

an intensity that could set the screen on fire. "I will never

If only my life was as simple as worrying

familiar, nausea-inducing wolf washes over me, thick and musky with undertones of sweat and aggression. My heart pounds against

couch. A slow, predatory smile stretches across his face as he rakes his gaze over me. I fight back a shudder, memories of his cruel hands on my body making my skin crawl. I can smell the

favorite smells now. I can't even

eyes off me. "If it isn't

two shifters flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow

absolutely necessary," he warns, his tone hard. "Alpha Renard will be here soon for dinner.

only widens at the threat, and he gives a

force myself to meet it head-on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw

"We're just here to make sure you don't try to run off again. Can't

shifts his stance, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "That's enough, Mason.