Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 132 Ava: The Party (III)

"So, how are you liking the training?" he asks, sipping at his drink. The scent of beer makes me want to gag, but I try to ignore it. "Amara's tough, but she's the best."

I shrug, feeling a little more at ease now that we're on familiar ground. "It's hard," I admit, "but I'm learning a lot. Amara doesn't go easy on anyone. I appreciate that. It feels like I'm catching up faster that way."

Brendan nods, his expression sympathetic. "Yeah, she can be brutal. But you're right, it's worth it in the end. You'll be a total badass by the time she's done with you."

I can't help but smile at that, imagining myself as some kind of warrior princess. It seems ridiculous, given my current state, but it's a nice thought nonetheless.

"I don't know about that," I say, shaking my head. "But I'll settle for being able to defend myself, at least."

Brendan's smile softens, his eyes growing serious. "That's a good goal," he says quietly. "Especially for someone in your position."

I stiffen at his words, my guard going up again. "What do you mean?" I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral.

He hesitates, looking away for a moment before meeting my gaze again. "I just mean... being the Alpha's mate, you know? It's a big deal. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. We heard you're trying to keep it quiet, but secrets don't last long in a pack."

"Right." I shift uneasily, unsure of how much to say. Do I explain that I haven't chosen to mate with him yet? That our fated connection was already in peril from his rejection? It seems like a bit of an over-share, so I just remain silent.

"Everyone's been curious about the Blackwood who finagled their way into our Alpha's graces, but you're pretty nice," he adds, sounding a little awkward. "They don't like the Blackwoods, but you don't act like them."

"What did you expect, then?" My curiosity is genuine. To me, the Blackwood pack was normal. Even in Westwood, I don't have a lot of interaction with the other shifters. I still don't fully understand the divide between the two packs, having only heard the story from Phoenix's point of view.

You could try talking to Lucas, Selene mutters, sounding a little sour over the idea. I'm sure he could explain it.

But would he? I have the distinct impression that he would try to gloss it over.

"Arrogant. A jerk. Pretentious. Kind of like that Jessa chick who was here for a little while, trying to act like she was the beta's mate when she was just here for college." He grimaces. "A lot of us fell in love with her because of her looks, but it didn't last long."

I can't help the faint smile curving my lips. "Oh, my sister."

from me, looking horrified. "I forgot she's

be. She's

out

I ever talked about my family that

think

cautious, and I laugh. "I'm serious. She's a complete bitch. Hates me.

has me laughing even harder,

are we missing?" Mia asks, sauntering over with a half-empty cup in hand. It doesn't have that

it with a wink. "The special punch.

in my mind.

Bren chimes

that Blackwood bitch? Er, no offense." Mia offers me a casual,

her sister," Bren hisses in

without super wolf hearing, I can

squeezing her way to

at Bren, shoving him away. "Since Ava's here,

a little more negative than I'd like, but

host of the party? I don't know anyone here except you guys. It seems pretty

Bren looks Lisa over

men find Lisa attractive, and her bouncing, bubbly personality draws them

her face and the way she leans in his direction just a little, Lisa's more than receptive to his attention. "Obviously, there's a host. Whose

We throw parties here every week, and all of us come around to clean

any clearer, and I'm torn between urging Lisa to go enjoy herself, and clinging to her like

do that, though. That would be a

it is because of the guards around me; I should let her

and she grins back before squeezing between me and

angling closer, their smiles flashing brighter with each exchange. A knot tightens in my stomach, an ugly twist of emotions I don't want to

should be happy for her. Lisa deserves to have fun, to enjoy herself without

quiet in my mind, and I hope she's watching her trashy wolf TV instead of judging my