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.

I am. It's strange,

Weren't you comfortable in Lucas' room at

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

this does? Selene presses,

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

Renard and his most trusted cronies. How many devious

have begun under the

yet, a part of

Like I belong here.

no matter how terrible it was. I was born

acknowledgement in my

of my companion will persist. Vanessa's words seem to have really

talk? I ask, closing the dresser drawer. My voice is soft, tentative.

on the bed, but her eyes flick to mine. I don't know, she

the guard, I offer him a small smile. "Would you mind stepping outside for

slightly, and I can see the hesitation in his

unlike before, I'm also in charge of my own security, and

be making periodic checks," he warns, his voice gruff. "Every five

I agree readily. "I

steps outside, closing the door behind him with a soft

the rest for later. Right now, Selene

body against my leg. She doesn't

my voice barely above 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 with

her missing memories before, but I didn't follow up—too busy in my own head,

get it," I admit, reaching out to stroke her fur. She leans into my touch, and I feel a flicker of comfort through our bond. "How can

allowed to keep them, Selene explains, her voice distant, as if she's lost in thought. In exchange

of vows could a wolf make?

voice them all. Not yet. Selene is opening up, and I don't want to overwhelm her with my

of vows?" I ask

lacing her