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

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

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

a long time," I observe,

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

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

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

for

That's nothing new.

had some on the plane with us, even

step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going to find Lisa. And I promise you, your

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

detour into emotional territory, I switch lanes.

great. Completely healed, though she's been

with an odd undertone I could never quite decipher. One moment warm and friendly, the next strangely cool. The mixed

in my gut for 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, a generic platitude to fill

gaze, studying

are not

don't

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

startled half out of its lifespan. Is he reading my damn mind

I meet Clayton's eyes. "We're doing

loud to Clayton makes it sound like a lie.

Hopefully he believes me.

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

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

to be his mate. That he wished for us to choose each other. I know he chose me, and somehow I feel like I've tarnished him with my rollercoaster of

needs to find someone suited for him, someone who can love him the way he deserves. But it's not

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

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