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.

finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll go make sure everything's set at the apartment. You

her support. "Thanks, Lise. I don't know what I'd

her dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "Probably be bored out of your mind. I'll see

foot to foot, looking uncharacteristically uncertain. It's a stark contrast to the confident, commanding alpha I've come

it in a way that makes my heart skip a beat. "I know I've made

of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let him shield me from the world. But another part, the part that's been burned before, holds back, even as a familiar tingle slides

us together. It hates distance, and every particle of my body wants to

But I need time. Space. I need to figure out who I am, without

dilating with a primal hunger that sends a

kiss

he murmurs, his 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.

brushing against my cheek with a gentleness that belies his strength. It's a touch I've craved, one that

a grounding force amidst the swirl of emotions. Remember what you

so close, his scent of pine and musk enveloping me like a warm embrace. My body reacts instinctively,

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

soul. "I know. But I need you to understand something, Ava.

you need, but I'm not going anywhere.

eyes, his words both thrilling and terrifying. The bond between us pulses with a life of its own, urging me to close the distance, to claim what's mine, and I can't help