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.

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

Lise. I don't

with mischief. "Probably be bored out

me alone with Lucas. He shifts his weight from foot to foot, looking uncharacteristically uncertain. It's a stark contrast to the confident, commanding alpha I've come

He runs a hand through his dark hair, mussing it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. "I know I've made mistakes. I'm

his arms, to let him shield me

to bring us together. It hates distance, and

Space. I need to figure out who I

his broad frame seeming to fill the small hospital room. I watch as his golden eyes darken, pupils dilating with a primal hunger that sends a shiver down my spine.

stolen kiss isn't

but I can't deny what I feel for you.

as he reaches out, his calloused fingers brushing against my cheek with a gentleness that belies his strength. It's a touch I've craved, one that sets my nerves

grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what you just told him. You need

know she's right, but it's hard to think clearly when Lucas is so close, his scent of pine and musk enveloping me like a warm embrace. My body reacts instinctively, leaning into his touch as a soft sigh escapes my

voice barely above a whisper. "We can't. Not

forehead resting against mine as his eyes bore into my soul. "I know. But I need you to

and space you need, but I'm not going

prick at the corners of my eyes, his words both thrilling and terrifying. The bond between us pulses with a life of