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

lazily flip through channels. I can feel the weight of his gaze, disapproval radiating off him in waves. 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

to the TV as I rapidly cycle through channels, a kaleidoscope of

roguish grin. The over-the-top soundtrack swelling

cheesy shifter romance Selene had been

judging it clinically in my head to try to stop the feelings from overwhelming my heart. Terrible

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

laugh. If only my life was as simple as

as Phoenix opens the door, but 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

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

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

off me. "If it

two shifters flank 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

threat, and he gives a lazy shrug. "Whatever you say, Phoenix. We'll

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

"We're just here to make sure you don't try to run off again.

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