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."

assigned me here almost from

as a friend. It

pockets. "Yeah. They wanted an unbiased alpha to oversee things during the

seems to be taking a long time," I observe, wandering over to study an abstract painting on the

right. Less barbaric than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to be that an alpha would take over and kill

with genuine curiosity. "How's it going so far?

to Westwood or Silvermoon. A number have already relocated. But

have gone rogue. Others are still here, fighting the Council for Blackwood's

That's nothing new.

plane with us, even though I

takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going to find Lisa. And I promise you, your family will never hurt you again. I won't allow

is something I've experienced

detour into

lips quirk into a smile. "Ivy's doing great. Completely healed, though she's been

an odd undertone I

family. "That's kind of

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

conversations over relationships are

I don't really want to have Clayton misunderstanding anything else

peace. "So,

half out of its

eyes. "We're doing great,

makes it sound

Hopefully he believes me.

"I'm glad to hear that, Ava. Truly."

at his words, guilt pouring in. At the way he's hiding his own

choose each other. I know he chose me, and somehow I feel

suited for him, someone who can love him the way he deserves.

to do anything that might ruin the fragile

just nod, forcing a smile.