Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 169 Ava: A Strange Meeting

Confusion flickers across the stranger's face for a moment before understanding dawns. "Ah, I see. If you saw someone just now, it was likely a manifestation of your own fears. A distraction, meant to throw off anyone who might be following me."

I stare at him, my mind struggling to comprehend his words. A manifestation of my fears? How is that even possible?

Selene pads forward, her nose twitching as she sniffs at the stranger's feet. To my shock, her hackles remain flat, her tail giving a tentative wag. She's never reacted this way to a potential threat before.

He is not a danger to us, but he is not an ally, she tells me.

"What are you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

The stranger tilts his head, studying me with those unsettling eyes. "I could ask the same of you. Why is a witch running with the Blackwood Pack?"

The word "witch" hits me like a punch to the gut, stealing the breath from my lungs.

The only ones to call me that are vampires.

Careful, Ava. Selene's warning echoes through my mind, even as she continues to sniff at the stranger's shoes.

The stranger glances at Selene, distaste crossing his face, but he allows her to sniff. Then he glances over my shoulder. "I'm afraid we'll have to continue this conversation another time. Once you have permission from my mother, that is."

"Your mother?" I echo, confusion and frustration warring within me. "What are you talking about?"

But the stranger is already backing away, melting into the shadows as if they were never there at all. I lunge forward, desperate for answers, but my hands close on empty air.

I hesitate, torn between the desire to chase after the mysterious stranger and the knowledge that I can't just go off running.

I've been kidnapped enough times that I really should have learned my lesson.

Ava, stop. Selene's voice is firm, halting me in my tracks. We need to get back to the others. Kellan is coming.

bursting forth from the trees, his chest barely rising and falling

the area, searching for any signs of

concern as he approaches me, nostrils flaring as he scents

echo in my mind. "I thought

his expression growing more perplexed by the second. "That's odd. I don't smell anyone

through my veins. How could Kellan not detect the stranger's scent? Selene had clearly caught their smell,

open my mouth, ready to explain further, but something holds me back. The stranger's parting comment about

many secrets surrounding my pack. Things about Blackwood don't make sense, as though

Living as the beta's daughter, I should know more. If I'd known how my life would turn out, I

is always better,

supposed to piece together, I glance at

more information, it's probably best

say instead, shaking my head. "It's been a long

thinks being mistaken is more likely than thinking there's something going on that can

needs to be

be nice if that changes one

It will.

confidence is

my shoulder, Kellan glances around again. "Let's get you

can feel her gaze on me, knowing

think it's best if you

him. "Actually, I was hoping to

Kellan's face, followed by a frown. "Are you sure

the memory of my mother's venomous words still stinging. But there's a nagging feeling in my gut, urging me to try again.

too comfortable here in Blackwood lands. Mom might know about him,

as much conviction

a long moment before sighing.