Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 199 Ava: Magic

Magic, she whines pitifully, her eyes watering. So much magic. It's overwhelming.

I look from her to the book and back again, realization dawning.

Just what exactly did Mrs. Elkins give me?

Kneeling, I carefully pick the book back up, handling it with a new sense of reverence and caution. The symbol on the front seems to glint in the early morning light, almost as if it's winking at me.

I glance at Selene, still huddled miserably in the corner. "I'm not sure I'll be able to figure this out on my own."

Agreed, she says nasally, pawing at her snout. But maybe... Let's put that thing away for now, okay? Before it makes me sneeze my brain out through my nose.

The mental image makes me laugh, even as I close it, snapping the clasp closed with a firm click. "Don't be so dramatic. Your brain is far too big to fit through your nostrils."

You don't know that. You've never seen my brain.

"And I hope I never do." Standing, I move to the closet and carefully tuck the book onto the highest shelf. Out of sight, but definitely not out of mind. "There. Safe and sound and out of sneezing range."

My hero, Selene drawls, finally uncurling from her corner. She still looks a bit bleary-eyed, but at least she no longer seems to be in imminent danger of sneezing herself inside out. So what now?

That's the question, isn't it? I lean against the closet door, worrying my lower lip between my teeth as I think.

My phone interrupts the morning with a ringing that's a bit muffled. Startled, I glance at the bed—but it isn't there.

Damn.

It's probably Lucas.

off the bed in a fabulous move

the mattress and headboard, my fingers brush

as I answer the phone,

ear. "Lucas?" I try again,

the phone away, frowning at the screen. The phrase UNKNOWN CALLER blinks back at me, with no

I bring the phone back to my

something—a soft sound,

the skin of my forearms as I strain to listen.

seeping into my voice. If this is some pervert getting their kicks by calling random

strangely mechanical voice cuts through my budding tirade,

"Yes," I say slowly, my heartbeat quickening in my chest. "Who is

concerned

not taking my eyes off the opposite wall. I have no idea. But something about this feels

says, ignoring my question. "It's about

shoots through my veins, freezing me

about her?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. "Do you know where she

Lisa, screaming as a vampire tears into her

to banish the nightmarish visions. No.

confirms, as if reading my thoughts. "For