Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 68 Ava: Their Plans (II)

Phoenix taps a finger against the table, watching me with a calculating gaze. "You need to understand what situation you're in, Ava."

Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

"Why?"

His smile is mirthless. "This entire pack will throw you away without a second thought. Alpha Renard will trap you in a life of misery and pain, and you will forever be a pawn in his hands."

"I know. That's why I want to escape. You're the one who brought me here, remember? None of this is news to me."

Phoenix nods. Just the slightest nod. "Alpha Renard's plans changed when he received some very interesting news from the Aspen territory. He heard of an omega with your description, with a heat so strong that even the Aspen alpha was affected."

The glass of water is all I focus on. It's hard to look him in the face as he talks about everything they've planned for me.

"His orders changed from bringing you back with force, to rescuing you." The emphasis is unmistakable, the slight disgust in Phoenix's voice sending a little shudder down my back. "I flew out that night to find you and bring you back. Now, Alpha Renard is going to use your connection with him to nullify his ability to support Westwood in the upcoming war."

he so interested in Westwood? I don't

sighs. "His last son was killed in a skirmish on Westwood territory. Against rogues, while he was traveling on a diplomatic mission. Alpha Renard never liked Westwood to begin with, but now he's determined

"But the Council—"

its authority too many times. They have demanded changes in our pack policies, and have threatened us when we refused

the entire Northwestern Territories?" How stupid is that? There are five other packs he

"It doesn't matter what he wants to do, Ava. That's

you telling

steeples his fingers, waiting

think back to how relieved I felt when he and Jessa showed that they were willing to help

like I've walked

slinks down my

you." His eyes drift to my

forget that you're the one who took me from there?" I ask in exasperation. "Why didn't you think

grimaces. "He never revealed his plans to mate with you until after you were safe in pack lands, and we could all scent you. None of us really believed you were an omega until you

why did you think the omega was even me in the

looks at me with a faint smile. "Though you never gave them your full name, so the Aspen pack

and just trick Clayton into taking me as

able to force the Council to bring you back. It's only if he can prove that the Aspen alpha kept you there against your will. If you're his Luna, you can use your influence to ally the Aspen Pack with Blackwood. We don't lose too much with you gone,

over, grabbing my hand in his, a cajoling tone entering his words. "You've seen how much effort I've put into this pack, Ava. I've never been greedy. I've worked for this pack, and obeyed our alpha. Do

fault?" I snap at him, yanking my hand