Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 157 Ava: Everything's Changed

The alpha lodge is different. It's been cleaned and scrubbed and actually looks rather nice.

I don't think any of the furniture is original.

"We took the liberty of re-arranging the place," Vester says, and I realize he and Vanessa are on opposite sides of our little group.

Interesting.

Glancing around again, I smile at Vester. "It looks great. Doesn't look anything like it did before."

Vanessa trails behind Selene, who seems to be following her nose somewhere. I watch them go, but then my gaze is drawn to the sheer opulence of this place.

It's like a mansion out of an old movie, with high ceilings and rich wood paneling. The entryway opens into a huge ballroom-style space. Ornate chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. I can remember Alpha Renard holding court here, all his lackeys gathered around and hanging on his every word.

The thought makes me shudder.

I wander from room to room, marveling at the transformation. It's hard to believe this is the same dark, oppressive place I remember. Upstairs, I peek into bedrooms with plush carpets and four-poster beds. There must be at least six rooms up here. It's like a luxury hotel.

It also smells like new construction. Interesting.

As I make my way back downstairs, I realize it's gone quiet. Too quiet.

Selene?

No answer, and she's nowhere to be found.

"Hey Ava." Vester's voice startles me and I spin around. "I've gotta head out, take care of some pack stuff. You good here with Clayton?"

"Oh. Yeah, of course." I try to sound nonchalant, but my heart picks up speed at the thought of being alone with Clayton, and the uncomfortable conversation I still need to have with him. "No problem."

Soon, it's just me and Clayton standing awkwardly in the giant foyer. I clear my throat. "I'm honestly surprised you're still here. Figured you'd have to go back to Aspen."

"The Council assigned me

was here to help as a friend. It makes sense, though. "The Council assigned you

alpha to oversee things during the takeover. Keep things civil, avoid

I observe, wandering over

like this, it's almost unprecedented. The Council wants it done right. Less barbaric than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to be that an alpha would take over and kill those who don't change

a different era," I finish, turning to face him with genuine curiosity. "How's it going so far?

shadow crosses Clayton's handsome face. "Most of the females have pledged to Westwood or Silvermoon. A number have already relocated. But the males..." He shakes his head. "It's a different story. Very few have

Others are still here, fighting the Council for Blackwood's independence. Because of that, you'll have guards at

That's nothing new.

had some on the plane with

washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going to find Lisa. And I promise you, your family

to keep people safe is something I've experienced

know." Uncomfortable with the detour into emotional territory, I

a smile. "Ivy's doing great. Completely

the right things. Our interactions had always been tinged with an odd undertone I could never quite decipher.

that way about Clayton's sister, especially after she was injured because of my family. "That's kind of her. Please tell her hello from

thick and uncomfortable. I avoid Clayton's gaze, studying the intricate patterns

conversations over relationships are not in

anything up, but I don't really want to

the awkward peace. "So, how are

out of its lifespan. Is he reading my damn mind

Clayton's eyes.

saying it out loud to Clayton makes it sound like a lie. Like

Hopefully he believes me.

unreadable. "I'm glad to hear that, Ava. Truly." His voice is low, full of

fractures a little at his words, guilt pouring in. At

mate. That he wished for us to choose each

suited for him, someone who can love him the way he deserves. But it's

false hope. I don't want to do anything that might ruin the fragile trust I've built

forcing a smile. "Thanks, Clayton. That means a