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.

ignore Phoenix to plop down on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean

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

glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of colors and

a familiar scene catches my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over-the-top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion

shifter romance Selene had been obsessed with at the

sharpens as I take it all in, judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings

an intensity that could set the screen on fire. "I will never choose her," he growls, his voice a deep rumble that is probably sending thousands of women across the country into a dramatic swoon.

my life was as simple as worrying that my mate

betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea-inducing wolf washes over me, thick and musky with undertones of sweat and aggression. My

back a shudder, memories of his

smells now. I

rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. "If it isn't little Ava Grey,

their leering stares just as unsettling.

hard. "Alpha

only widens at the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever you say, Phoenix.

it head-on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can

"We're just here to make sure you don't try to

rumbling in his