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.

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

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 sense of security for whatever

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

my eye. A hunky male lead with tousled hair and a roguish grin. The over-the-top soundtrack swelling with orchestral passion as the camera pans over his

shifter romance Selene had been

it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my

screen on fire. "I will never choose her,"

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

body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea-inducing wolf washes over me, thick and

steps inside first, his eyes immediately finding me on the 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

one of my least favorite smells now. I can't

well," he rumbles, never taking his eyes off me. "If it isn't

shifters flank him, their leering stares just as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry,

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

and he gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever you say,

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

"We're just here to make sure you don't try to run off again. Can't have our alpha's prize getting loose, now can

in his chest. "That's enough,