Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 95 Ava: Lisa (II)

A light tapping at my door pulls us out of our giggling.

"Come in," I call out, wiping the last of my tears away. I'm sure my eyes are red and puffy, but I can't find it in me to care.

Dr. Beaumont steps into the room, her smile gentle as she takes in the sight of us huddled together on the bed. "Well now, isn't this a pretty picture?"

For the past few days, Dr. Beaumont has been thorough in my care. I've come to enjoy her visits, even if they're just for work. She's respectful to both nurses and patients, and doesn't treat me with the awed deference like some of the nurses do.

Everyone knows I'm their alpha's fated mate, even the humans. Few seem to understand that we aren't in a relationship, though.

It is interesting to see how many humans think of Lucas as 'their' alpha, though. I'm used to a distinct difference between shifter and human, even in the Aspen territory. Here, there are humans working alongside shifters, and they even interact with each other.

Just yesterday I heard a shifter nurse talking to a human doctor about her mate's desires for shifted sex—something I've known about but never heard talked about—and the human hadn't been scandalized. She'd even asked questions.

Maybe she watches the same show Selene does. TV is great for normalizing things.

"Lisa, this is Dr. Beaumont. She's been taking care of me." I introduce them, watching as they shake hands.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lisa." Dr. Beaumont's eyes twinkle. "I must say, a little company has really helped our Ava here look a lot better."

That has to be a lie. My eyes are still puffy and swollen, and hurt a little when I blink. Still—having Lisa here, being able to cry, and talk, and laugh…

It's helped.

A lot.

for taking such good care of her," Lisa says earnestly,

"Oh, it's my job. And even if it wasn't..." She leans in conspiratorially. "No one tells Lucas

I have the best of everything, and it's not a secret. Still, hearing it stated so

cares about you, you know," Dr. Beaumont continues, her voice softening.

is thrilled at the idea of Lucas caring so much. But another part, the part that's still raw and hurting from everything that's happened, is

finally.

I've seen, the two of you have something special. Don't let fear hold you

She knows better than anyone how conflicted

were doing." Dr. Beaumont straightens, slipping back into her professional demeanor. "Your vitals are perfect. I'm just here to check your wounds again.

shouldn't be an issue

a pair of disposable purple gloves as she speaks. Lisa settles into the recliner by

back the dressings covering my neck and shoulders, her

tracing a finger along what I assume must be a scar. "These have healed remarkably well, Ava. They're a bit raised and

these permanent reminders of what Todd did to me,

moves on to check the wounds on my abdomen, her eyebrows climbing even higher. "And these are nearly healed as well. At this rate, I'd say you'll be fully recovered by tomorrow." She glances up at me, curiosity bright in her eyes. "Is this normal for you, Ava? Do

your rate of healing was normal

my head, the truth hidden behind my denial. "No," I admit softly. "I've always healed normally." There's no reason to explain Selene's existence to anyone here. I

the future, if we can get

aren't there

press the issue. "Well, regardless, this is excellent news. You're well on your way to being

stay with me, Ave.

to take that up with Kellan, I'm afraid.