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 clean

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

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

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

shifter romance Selene had been obsessed

the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic

never choose her," he growls, his voice a deep rumble that is probably sending thousands of women across the country into a

If only my life was as simple as worrying that

my body betrays me. The 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

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 smell the tuna on his breath from here, courtesy of the

now. I can't

never taking his eyes off me. "If it isn't

as unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as

tone hard. "Alpha Renard will be here soon for

gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever you say, Phoenix. We'll be

in his

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

growl rumbling in his chest.