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.

fabric

of him wants to

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

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 obsessed

in my head to try to stop the feelings from

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 will never

laugh. If only my life was as simple as worrying that my mate would

door. I try not to tense as Phoenix opens the door, but my body betrays me. The scent of a familiar, nausea-inducing

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 tuna

of my least favorite smells now.

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

unsettling. I swallow hard, my mouth dry, as

hands off her unless it's absolutely necessary," he warns, his tone hard. "Alpha Renard will be here soon for dinner. I don't need any issues

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

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 much I

you

shifts his stance, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "That's enough, Mason. I mean