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 here almost from the

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

hands in his pockets. "Yeah. They wanted an unbiased alpha to oversee things during the takeover. Keep things civil, avoid more

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

barbaric than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to

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

of the females have pledged to Westwood or Silvermoon. A number have already relocated.

for

That's nothing new.

had some on the plane with us,

washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going

to keep people safe is something I've experienced before—and maybe it's

detour into emotional territory, I switch lanes. "How's

doing great. Completely

Our interactions had always been tinged with an odd

of my family. "That's kind of her. Please tell her hello from me." The words feel hollow,

Clayton's gaze, studying the intricate patterns

relationships are

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

throat, breaking the awkward peace. "So, how

half out of its

myself, I meet Clayton's eyes.

it out loud to Clayton makes it sound

Hopefully he believes me.

to hear that, Ava. Truly." His voice

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

well aware that he wanted me to be his mate. That he wished for us to choose each other. I know he chose me, and somehow

who can love him the way he

don't want to do anything

nod, forcing a smile. "Thanks,