Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 114 Ava: Standing Up to the Alpha

Lucas continues to pace, and Lisa folds her arms as she watches him, her chin tilted up in a defiant gesture I know well.

She won't back down, even from an alpha. If there's such a thing as an alpha human, Lisa would probably be one. It doesn't surprise me that her parents allowed her to come here; she gets what she wants, one way or another.

Lucas stops his agitated steps, the soles of his boots squeaking against the linoleum floor. There's a long, heavy sigh that seems to deflate his broad shoulders. When his golden eyes meet mine, they're filled with a mix of resignation and apology.

"You're right, Ava," he says, his deep voice softening. "I'm sorry for trying to control you. It's not my place."

Selene snorts in my mind, her presence a comforting weight. He's only sorry because you spoke up.

I mentally shush her, not wanting to ruin this moment of understanding with Lucas. It's a small victory, but an important one. He needs to see me as an equal, not someone to be ordered around as he pleases.

Lucas turns to Kellan, who's been standing silently by the door, his face an unreadable mask. "Change of plans. Ava's going back to Lisa's apartment."

Kellan's eyebrows lift in surprise, but he quickly schools his features back into a neutral expression. "Understood. I'll get everything ready and let the nurses know she's ready for discharge."

With a curt nod, Kellan exits the room, leaving me alone with Lucas and Lisa. The tension in the air is palpable, but there's also a sense of relief. I've won this battle, small as it may be.

giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll go make sure everything's set at the

nod, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Lise. I don't know

with mischief. "Probably be bored out of your mind. I'll

me alone with Lucas. He shifts his weight from foot to foot, looking

dark hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. "I know I've made mistakes. I'm trying to do better. To be

Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let him shield me from the world.

together. It hates distance,

time. Space. I need to

dilating with a primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine. The air between

kiss

deep voice a caress against my skin. "I know you need time, but I can't deny what I feel for you. What my wolf feels for you. I'll do my best, but I

his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek with a gentleness that

Selene warns in my mind, her presence a grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what you just told

is so close, his scent of pine and musk enveloping

barely above a

eyes bore into my soul. "I know. But I need you to understand something, Ava.

give you the time and space you need, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait for you, as

thrilling and terrifying. The bond between us pulses with a life of