Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 141 Ava: Determined to Find Her

Lucas enters like a tornado, the doors slamming a gale-force breeze into my room.

His hair is a mess, his amber eyes focused on me as he looks me over, categorizing every detail of my appearance. Of the IV in my arm—again, the hospital gown, the bed. All of it.

I must pass muster, because about halfway through the room, his steps slow and his shoulders relax. "Ava."

"Lucas."

I hold my hands out when it's clear he isn't sure how to greet me, after our last parting.

He gives Selene a dark stare before sitting next to my legs and grabbing my hands, leaning forward to kiss my forehead. "Are you okay?"

It's funny—aside from feeling upset with myself and worried over Lisa, I hadn't processed any other emotions about the invasion.

Now, with him here, tears fill my eyes and my shoulders shake as I remember the fear. How I was positive I'd die by vampire. How gutted I feel with Lisa gone.

The death of Teddy.

Of Bren.

The entire experience of the party.

All of it.

Without any warning whatsoever, I burst into ugly tears, and Lucas gathers me close, holding me against his chest with soft murmurs and reassurances that I don't really hear.

my mind. I can feel her slipping away, probably

me cry more. I'm not even sure if it's just

and nothing in particular, every wound my

relief, endurance and

I cry.

And cry.

And cry.

him, whispering soft nothings in my ear and running his

how sorry he is, how

being gone, for allowing such a tragedy to

this is his fault to

he

My head pounds with the furious rhythm of dehydration. My throat is shredded from—and I cringe to remember this—my wails, as if I were a grief-stricken heroine on some

hooked up a bag of

long period of silence as I rest against

against his shoulder, but otherwise, I don't move. I'm limp against him, too worn out

lips brush against my forehead and I sigh, cuddling

but he relaxes after a moment, still stroking my hair gently. "If Jericho thinks

with me, and that lifts

you into danger unless you're ready, Ava. But

need to be ready, Selene

against his chest, I murmur, "I get it. Thank you." I know, I tell

won't risk Lisa's life just to

I'll be ready.