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."

Council assigned me here

me. I thought he was here to help as a

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

long time," I observe,

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

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

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 over

here, fighting the Council for Blackwood's independence. Because of that, you'll

That's nothing new.

Lucas had some on the plane with us,

scent washes over me as he takes a step closer, but he doesn't touch me. "We're going to find Lisa. And I promise you, your family will never

prick my eyes at the fierce protectiveness in his tone. Clayton's determination to keep people safe is something I've experienced before—and

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

smile. "Ivy's doing great. Completely healed, though she's been worried

Ivy's truly worried about me or just saying the right things. Our interactions had always been tinged with an

twists 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

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

are not in

don't

the awkward peace.

out of its

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

Clayton makes it sound like a lie. Like I'm trying to convince myself as much as

Hopefully he believes me.

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

in. At the way he's hiding his own feelings

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

someone who can love him the way he deserves. But it's not my

I don't want to do anything that might ruin

forcing a smile. "Thanks, Clayton.