Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 144 Ava: Searching for a Candle

It takes a little more effort than I expected to convince Dr. Beaumont to discharge me home, but after promising up and down to let Vanessa visit twice a day for bloodwork and vitals, I finally get my way.

Lucas treats me like a fragile vase on the way to the apartment, worrying over leaving me in Lisa's place alone. He's not thrilled that I refuse to go to the alpha lodge in the wake of the vampire attack, and it feels like the entire apartment building is filled with wolf shifters in suits, glowering at everyone who passes by.

But I still count it as a win.

I can't believe two healthy adult women in their twenties don't have a single candle in their apartment. Selene noses open a cabinet to sniff inside, before clicking her nails across the kitchen to another one. Nothing here.

As she checks the lower cabinets, I shove my way through our everything drawer, only coming up with a small lighter. Helpful, but only half of what I need.

I even check the pantry, but there's no waxy pillar to be found.

Going behind Selene, I double check where she's already looked, ignoring her half-offended snort when I come up as empty as she did.

I told you, there are no candles. My nose works quicker and better than your eyes.

We've already checked Lisa's room and mine. Not a single candle to be had.

How are we out of candles? At the bare minimum, we should have some handy in case the electricity ever goes out.

I stalk to the bathroom, flinging open drawers. "Where the hell are the candles?"

Selene opens the linen cabinet with a deft paw, shoving her head inside to sniff.

It's all towels, of course.

And shampoo.

And soap.

things that make

another drawer shut. "We didn't buy any because of all the wolves

girls

my eyes. "You watch too much TV.

fine. Although I question

open the cabinet under the sink. Jackpot.

quick sniff, sneezing again. It smells terrible. Nothing

knock on the door startles us both, and I set

standing there, hands shoved in his pockets and brows

been gone

as my heart races

make me feel what Lucas does—it's

like I never put up walls at

current situation, I'd probably throw myself

have

face, slack in death, and Lisa's absence, I reach for Lucas' hand and pull him

me feel like shit when I realize how little I've ever

if she'd rather be murdered than

us off from the bodyguards he has watching over me. "I'm supposed to be meeting with Kellan, but I wasn't sure how you

I was busy hunting down a candle to do

it is. I don't like looking around and knowing that Lisa isn't here. "But I'll

were attacked, Ava. Vampires invaded my territory. Attacked my mate." His jaw clenches. "I couldn't be there to protect

don't feel right leaving you here without her. I

open my mouth to argue, to insist that I can take

I'm scared. I'm