Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 138 Ava: A Shocking Finale (II)

"Such a naughty kitten," the vampire mutters, scowling in a way that erases the beauty of his face.

The vampire's grip tightens, crushing my throat as I thrash against him. My lungs scream for air. I claw at his hands, nails scraping uselessly against unyielding flesh. Panic floods my mind, blotting out rational thought.

Your training, Ava! Remember your training! Selene's voice slices through my rising hysteria.

Right. Training. Jericho's lessons flash through my oxygen-starved brain. I stop flailing and focus, letting my body go limp, conserving strength. The vampire smirks, misreading it as submission. His cold breath washes over my face as he leans in, nostrils flaring.

He's...sniffing me?

Revulsion churns my stomach as his nose skims along my jaw, down to the crook of my neck. He lingers there, inhaling deeply, a pleased rumble vibrating his chest.

The scar, Ava! Don't let him near it! Selene's warning ricochets through my head. He can't bite you there!

Fragmented memories resurface—Selene cautioning me about my scar during my heat, insisting I keep Clayton away from it. I hadn't understood then. I'm not sure I do now. But her urgency propels me into action.

me. The pressure on my windpipe eases a fraction and I suck in a

to creatures who can sense it. It isn't quite an aphrodisiac, but it can be, in the right

that's just great, I grouse in my head, still scrabbling to dislodge the vampire's chokehold. Whose brilliant

in frustration. Just protect it, Ava! Don't let him break the skin there,

chuckles darkly, his grip loosening as he nuzzles into my neck again, lips brushing my hammering pulse.

murmurs against my skin, tongue flicking out to taste. Bile rises

escaping in a strangled laugh. "Must

has claws." Cool fingers ghost

crimson spray. The coppery tang assaults my nose,

with shock and fury. His hand flies to his neck, wrenching out the object lodged there. It's a knife, the blade slick with

hauling me to my feet. I stumble, legs shaky, as he shoves me behind him. He

Teddy grits out, not taking his eyes off the seething creature before us.

already moving, launching himself at the vampire with a guttural

unconscious, her breathing shallow. I shake her shoulders, calling her name, but she doesn't respond. Panic claws at my chest. I need to get her out

whip my head around. My heart seizes in my chest. Teddy lies crumpled on the ground, his head twisted at an unnatural angle. His

from his chin. "Did you really think