Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 89 Ava: A Mild Overreaction

I glance away from Lucas, unable to hold his intense gaze. My heart sinks like a stone, the weight of the secrets I've kept pressing down on me.

It isn't even like I've been keeping them on purpose, but I feel like a she-wolf caught cheating on her mate.

And yet no matter how innocent it was at the time—no matter what state our mate connection was in—these are the types of secrets that can bury our relationship before it ever starts. Honesty is the best policy. Better to get it all out in the open, even if he rejects me again.

Even if he formally rejects me.

Last time, the rejection was implied; this time…

I shudder at the thought and take a deep, steadying breath, trying to psych myself up.

I have to talk about my stay with the Aspen pack. About Clayton. I'll have to explain about my heat, too.

As soon as I gather an ounce of courage, Lucas' phone rings again. I groan audibly, the sound ripping from my throat before I can stop it. "Are you serious?" It's the middle of the night! Who the hell calls someone in the middle of the night?!

Lucas' brows furrow in apology, clearly thinking I'm upset that he's taking calls during our conversation. "I'm sorry, it will only be a moment."

"No, no," I rush to assure him, waving a hand. "That's not it at all. I'm just..." I trail off, unsure of how to explain.

He leans forward to kiss my forehead. Apparently this is something he's going to do often.

I don't mind it, but it doesn't quite feel like we're at that point yet.

I really need to talk to him.

"I'm sorry, Ava. This is another alpha. I'll be right back."

"Go, go." I wave him off. It isn't like I don't understand the weight of such a call.

But then he utters words that make my blood run cold. "Hey, Clayton, is everything okay?"

I'm frozen.

of wolfless shifter, stuck on the hospital bed, staring at the back of my fated mate as he walks out the door,

My what?

My lover?

lover. We had sex,

I might

don't think I am. Because wouldn't they have checked

to have to

No, not discreet. I need to tell Lucas, now, because he's going

Clayton calling

know

he wanting me

Shit.

neck, squeezing as hard as it can. Clayton. Of all the worst

talking to

that should have been saved for my

Oh, fuck.

dashing through my head, back and forth without

on earth could they be talking about for so long? Why isn't Lucas

it isn't my

my Clayton. Aspen's

it's some

in a row. Maybe he doesn't exist at all, and my time in Washington was just a figment

Hah.

Wouldn't that be nice?

to think ridiculous

Breathe, Ava.

and prepare

you a chance

not in Blackwood

to my chest, I hug them tightly and practice deep breathing, filling my lungs as best as I can. In through my nose, out through my mouth. Slow and steady. I close my eyes, trying to focus solely

ears, almost headache-inducing, the pulsing whoosh so strong that I can feel it echoing through my entire body. The anxious thoughts continue. Clayton. Lucas. What

Magicians and Lycans. Selene.