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 the

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

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

observe, wandering over to study an abstract painting on the

wants it done right. Less barbaric than the old ways. But that takes time. It used to be that an alpha

genuine curiosity. "How's it

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 come

Council for Blackwood's independence.

That's nothing new.

had some on the plane with us, even

voice is gentle. His ocean scent washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch

is something I've

with the detour into emotional

doing great. Completely healed, though

wonder if Ivy's truly worried about 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, the next strangely cool. The

after she was injured because of my family. "That's kind of her. Please tell her hello from me." The words

avoid Clayton's gaze,

conversations over relationships are not

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

his throat, breaking the awkward peace. "So, how are you and

heart jumps, startled half out of its lifespan. Is he reading my

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

it sound like a lie. Like

Hopefully he believes me.

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

at his words, guilt pouring in. At

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

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

want to do anything

forcing a smile. "Thanks, Clayton.