Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 188 Ava: Mom's Legacy (I)

Two days later, I'm back at Blackwood, with a few changes.

Like Jericho, and an entire security detail under his charge.

And Kellan, who seems like he'd rather eat shards of glass than be in his father's presence.

All the new bodyguards are older wolves, with scars and a grim look in their eyes. Once retired, and brought back for my benefit.

Selene approves of all of them, saying their wolves all reached out to her.

Every single one of them is an upgrade from Tall Asshole—sorry, Alex—and Jason.

While these shifters must have a bad opinion of me as well, they don't act like it. They treat me with complete professionalism.

It's odd that they're retired, considering how quickly they've jumped back into their roles. None of them seem old enough to have left active lifestyles behind.

I settle into Lucas' room at the alpha lodge, surprised by how comfortable it feels despite my last stay being so brief. The familiarity washes over me as I unpack my meager belongings once again.

One of the guards, a grizzled shifter with a head full of gray hair that belies his muscular build, stands sentinel in the corner, while two more keep watch outside the door.

Because Sister Miriam entered my room before, they're not leaving me alone anymore.

It's unnerving, but I swallow the instinctive frustration at my lack of privacy.

The last time I fought back, people died.

My privacy isn't worth more lives.

You seem at ease here, Selene observes, her voice tinged with curiosity. She lounges on the bed, her icy blue eyes fixed on me as I put my clothes into the dresser.

I pause, considering her words. With the guards already knowing Selene is my wolf (and despite the mild panic I feel at having her secret known by even more people), I'm free to converse with her as I please.

It really helps with that stuck in a gilded cage feeling. Especially because I know I can switch guards with a single word to Jericho. Having a little power over the situation really makes a difference, and I hate that I never considered asking for something like this the first time.

It's strange, isn't it? Considering

her head. Weren't you comfortable in Lucas' room at

off guard. I chew on my lower lip, mulling over

does? Selene presses, her gaze

tip of my nose, I glance around the room, taking in the dark interior once

building once housed Alpha Renard and his most trusted cronies. How many devious plans were decided

under

part of

Like I belong here.

don't know. Maybe it's just because I miss it here, no matter how terrible it was. I was born and raised here,

acknowledgement in my

this subdued version of my companion will persist. Vanessa's words seem to have really messed with her; the impact they've

drawer. My voice is soft, tentative. The last thing I want is to push Selene

doesn't move from her spot on the bed, but her eyes flick to mine. I

to the guard, I offer him a small smile. "Would you mind stepping outside for a bit? Maybe twenty

can see

charge of my own security, and he knows

he warns, his

agree readily. "I

closing the door behind

leaving the rest

beside her, the mattress dips under my weight, sliding her furry body against

I ask, my voice

a sound that echoes through our bond. Too many memories are missing, she confesses. Or they're murky, unclear. But I know they were once vivid. I could recall them

before, but I didn't follow up—too busy in

admit, reaching out to stroke her fur. She leans into my touch, and

allowed to keep them, Selene explains, her voice distant, as if

of vows could a wolf make? And

swirl in my mind, but I don't voice them all. Not yet. Selene is opening up, and I don't want

I ask instead,

frustration lacing her voice. That's the