Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 117 Ava: Her New Normal

Living in Westwood becomes routine again quickly.

Training with Jericho starts again only two days after my return, and the grizzled old shifter doesn't say a word about my long absence.

Lucas and I text every night, but I refuse to call him. The sound of his voice is going to make me regret things.

And Selene settles into our daily life as though she were never gone.

The only downside?

Kellan.

I have yet to speak to Selene or Lisa about anything important, because the beta is always around. He sleeps on the couch every night, no matter how many protests Lisa and I hurl his way.

Even Lucas is on board with it. I thought utilizing his possessiveness would go my way; it didn't.

He just said Kellan would be the one wolf he could trust to keep me safe.

Lisa's worse off than I am; she spends a good chunk of her day glowering at the friendly beta.

I watch Kellan as he washes the dishes, his broad shoulders filling out his t-shirt in a way that would be appealing if I wasn't so annoyed by his constant presence. Lisa mutters beside me, "It isn't fair that my apartment's been taken over."

I sigh, the sound heavy with frustration. Selene huffs a little woof of agreement from her spot on the floor.

two, right?" Kellan says without turning around, his

eyes. "Good. Maybe

and warm. He turns, leaning back against the counter as he dries his hands on a

don't appreciate Lucas's concern for my safety. I do. But having Kellan here 24/7 is driving me insane. I can't even have a private conversation with Lisa

need a babysitter," I say,

everything that's

embarrassment. I know he's right. I've been kidnapped, attacked, and goddess knows what else in the span of a few short months.

of myself," I mutter, knowing it sounds petulant

But let us

foreign on my tongue these days. The Blackwood pack was never really mine, no matter how much I tried to make it fit. And the Westwood

really sure where I stand with

and I have been texting, but it's superficial stuff. Jokes and memes,

anything more meaningful than that, and

me be as free as I'd like, because despite having won the war of where I

a few hours? Let us have our space? I can't

I can get used to, and I never want to get used

huffs, sliding her baleful gaze

sound is loud and long, dripping with all the frustration that's been building up inside me

surveillance, though that's certainly part of it. It's everything. The bond with Lucas, the fact that my father and Alpha Renard still haven't been found,

hair until it sticks up in unruly spikes. "Look, I get it. You two need some space. Some time to yourselves." He pauses, his brow furrowing as he seems to wage some internal battle.

have to promise me you won't leave

face brightens instantly, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really? You

a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Really. But I mean it about staying put. No exceptions. Especially as Alpha Westwood is gone again." He's back in the Blackwood territory, dealing with