Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 184 Ava: What Are You Going to Do About It?

Staring at Jericho, I don't know how to respond.

The idea that I might cause more deaths moving forward is so horrifying, it's paralyzing.

That's not something I ever want to happen again.

"You have a long way to go yet before you can claim that spot by the alpha's side. Sit up straight, girl." Jericho's finger jabs the air, pointing right at me. "Why are you wallowing in fear instead of forging forward?"

My mind goes blank. No words come to my defense, no clever retorts or explanations. Just... nothing, too surprised by the confrontation, too confused on where he's trying to go with his words.

"I came back to see the rites—"

He slaps his thigh with a groan that sounds like it comes from the depths of his soul. "Is this the future of the Westwood Pack? We've gone too soft on a future Luna, I see."

My spine stiffens at that, a spark of indignation flaring to life. But before I can grasp onto it, Jericho's voice cracks through the room like a whip.

"You killed eighteen people. Nearly twenty more are still in the hospital, healing. Yeah? So what?"

Horror floods through me, dousing that tiny ember of defiance. "You shouldn't treat their lives so lightly," I whisper. "They would still be alive if…"

Jericho roars, the sound ricocheting off the walls, and I flinch from its volume. "I'm not taking them lightly! I'm asking you—" he leans forward, his eyes blazing, "—what are you going to do about it? Stop acting like a mouse and act like a wolf!"

My heart hammers against my ribs. What does he want me to say? That I'm sorry? That I'll do better? The words tangle on my tongue, trapped behind the lump in my throat.

know that's not

He's looking for more.

gaze unwavering,

forcing myself to meet his eyes. "I... I want to become strong enough to stand legitimately beside Lucas. Save my friend. Save this pack. I don't want to

want to be

moment, he just looks at me, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nods. "That's all

intense it leaves me lightheaded. But before

talked to

my head around to stare

tongue. "Wolves have no business running

sense of this new information. Jericho's wolf talked to her? How did they

I demand, my voice cracking

blue eyes fixed on the grizzled man, the demon of Westwood's training center.

living on pack lands. Never heard a wolf outside of

as a blade, cuts through the glass to the world outside. The lines etched

you contact this Sister Miriam yourself?" His voice is low, gruff, the words scraping against each

fingers twisting together in my

the sound more contemplative

don't know," I admit, the words bitter on my tongue. "But she's the only one who seems to have any idea

jaw tightens, his gaze drifting back to the window. "She assumes you'll be entering the Unregistered

not a question, but