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

disapproval radiating off him in waves. He's struggling, I can tell. Part of him wants to chew me out like the

the satisfaction of acknowledging either side. My eyes remain glued to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope

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

cheesy shifter romance Selene had been obsessed

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 in my throat, grief threatening to overwhelm

alpha hero cups the face of his trembling omega mate, his eyes smoldering with 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

only my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would want

scent of a familiar, nausea-inducing wolf washes over me, thick and musky with undertones of sweat and aggression. My heart pounds against my ribcage as if begging to be let

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 tuna on his breath from

my least favorite smells now. I can't even think about tuna without

he rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. "If it

him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I

hands off her unless it's absolutely necessary," he warns, his tone hard. "Alpha Renard will be here soon for dinner. I

the threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever

to me, and I force myself to meet it head-on, refusing to show fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can smell my discomfort no matter how

you don't try to run off again. Can't have

rumbling in his chest. "That's enough, Mason. I