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.

on the worn couch, reaching for the remote. The soft fabric smells like the artificial scent of clean linen. A scent I've grown to

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,

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

lead with tousled hair and a roguish

cheesy shifter romance Selene

to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible acting. Melodramatic plot. Cringeworthy dialogue. A lump forms in my throat, grief threatening

screen, the 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 women across the country into a dramatic swoon. "And I

life was as

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 begging

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 tuna sandwich for he eats for lunch

favorite smells now. I can't even think about

eyes off me.

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

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

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

fear. A muscle in his jaw ticks, and I know he can smell my discomfort no matter how much I try

you don't try to run off again. Can't have our alpha's prize

in his