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."

me here almost from

me. I thought he was here to help as a friend. It makes sense, though.

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

long time," I observe, wandering over to study an abstract painting

than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to be that an alpha would take

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

number have already relocated. But the males..." He shakes his head. "It's a different story. Very few have

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

That's nothing new.

pretty sure Lucas had some on the plane with us, even though I didn't

touch me. "We're going to find Lisa.

his tone. Clayton's determination to keep people safe is something I've experienced before—and maybe it's a little

know." Uncomfortable with the detour into emotional territory,

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

me or just saying the right things. Our interactions had always been tinged with an odd undertone I could never quite decipher. One moment warm and friendly,

thinking 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 me." The words feel hollow,

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

conversations over relationships are not in my

to bring anything up, but I don't really want to

clears his throat, breaking the awkward peace.

half out of its lifespan.

meet Clayton's eyes. "We're doing great, actually.

truth, but saying it out loud to Clayton makes it sound like a lie. Like I'm trying to convince

Hopefully he believes me.

that, Ava. Truly." His voice

guilt pouring in. At the way he's hiding his

That he wished for us to choose each other. I know he chose me, and somehow

love him the way he deserves. But

want to

just nod, forcing a smile. "Thanks, Clayton. That