Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 201 Ava: Steve (II)

Steve taps her pen against her lips as the kid from the reception desk leans in to whisper something in her ear. I can't make out the words, but whatever he says makes Steve's eyebrows shoot up.

She nods slowly, her gaze flicking back to me with renewed intensity.

Shifting uncomfortably in my chair, I glance at Kellan. What I want is reassurance, but instead I notice the tense set of his jaw, the new wrinkles around the corners of his eyes, and a slight tic in his cheek.

It's a subtle tell, but one I recognize. He's on edge.

And that's when it hits me. Kellan may be willing to work with these people, but that doesn't mean he trusts them. It doesn't mean they're on our side.

Who are these strange, unsettling children?

I swallow hard, my mouth gone dry. Kellan's tension is contagious, seeping into my own muscles, coiling them tight.

What's going on, Ava?

Selene's mental voice is too soft, probably from the distance between us.

Things are weird here, Selene.

I don't feel like we're in danger, but there's definitely something that leaves me unsettled, with chills rushing down my back and arms.

Her worry carries through the bond between us. Be careful, Ava.

Straightening in my chair, I take a deep breath. Then another. If Kellan brought me here, there's a reason for it. Lucas trusts him. I do, too.

My attention snaps back to Steve as she asks me a question.

long have you been in contact with the

"Fae?"

question, I turn to Kellan, whose

propped on the desk as she peers into my eyes with unsettling intensity. A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I fight the urge to

the Fae," I manage, averting my

"Only Fae magic could

I look away again. "I swear, I've

back. "Alright, I'll take your denial at face

his throat. "Can you look into the call?

nonchalant. "I

fumbling in my pocket, I retrieve it and place it into his palm, watching as

She arches an eyebrow.

need the actual phone to check the

the lingering nausea. Once prompted, I mumble my phone number, watching as Steve's fingers fly across the keyboard. The room falls silent save for the clacking

my skin itches

the chair, my head

shattering the silence. "The call came from the general

glance, but Steve continues before

'Unregistered

my spine. Dakota Sanctuary. It sounds almost mystical, a far cry from the ominous reputation of the Unregistered

Kellan asks,

though. That area is a

my gratitude genuine despite my unease. "For your

hand. "Don't mention it. Seriously, don't. I have a reputation

manage a weak smile. In this

The warehouse

us here?" I ask Kellan as he slides into the driver's seat