Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 211 Ava: Bringing Trouble to the Pack

There's a simple text on my phone, from an unknown number.

[UNKNOWN: Come to Dakota Sanctuary. We have a place for you. Now that you've unlocked your power, you're a danger to everyone around you.]

"Is everything okay?"

Marcus' eagle eyes must have noticed the blood draining from my face.

I don't want to lie to him, but I don't know how much he should know about the situation.

Then again, the man's my bodyguard.

How can he effectively guard me if he doesn't know what's going on?

Tell Lucas, Selene says, sounding grim.

I will. "This text. Probably the same as the unknown call from before." Handing Marcus my phone, I watch as his face zones out to inform Kellan or Jericho of the situation. Or both of them. Probably both.

My gaze flicks to the book, but the words that had appeared moments ago are gone, leaving only those illegible runes once again. The cryptic message lingers in my mind, unsettling in its implications.

I don't like this, Ava, Selene says, her voice laced with concern. It feels like we're being herded into something.

The thought of being manipulated, of being led down a path I didn't choose, brings nothing but unease.

What are our choices right now? I ask, hating the tremor in my mental voice. If my power really is a danger to everyone around me...

I trail off, not wanting to finish that thought. The idea that I can hurt the people I care about, that my mere presence could put them at risk, is a heavy weight on my chest.

I've already hurt so many people.

But leaving isn't an option.

So what the fuck am I supposed to do?

It feels like I'm being forced into making a bad decision. There has to be another way, right? Like Vanessa said—I was always thinking in black and white. So, now I need to find gray. Or orange. Or whatever other color it could possibly be.

Somehow.

already imagine his reaction to this new development. Can he really keep me safe from my

says. We need to talk to someone

have is Sister Miriam, and Lucas

either—but I don't think she

is a concern, Selene admits, though I

Her concern mirrors mine.

on, we were ready to take so many risks. Selene wasn't as worried as

the people we care about warning us, time after time,

After the vampire attacks?

She's learned caution.

So have I.

"Kellan and Jericho are on their way," he says, handing

the rising panic in my chest. Kellan and Jericho

your work for you, Ava. You have to do

there's nothing that comes

the past have led to

freedom in Cedarwood, didn't

Did I?

arrival, it's been

Did I find freedom?

first

Selene murmurs, but I can tell she's

don't apply. Where vampires and other creatures roam unchecked. The

And Lisa's already there.

there for

I

have the training, and I'm… what,

brain just keeps rushing in circles, making me

in a moment like this, but even I have to admit that Jessa was never one to panic. Phoenix,

Then there's me.

to mend my relationship with a pack without getting advice from

much damage I had done until she'd

to you, either. Don't try to emulate them, Ava. They're

dry words bring a little relief, easing the pressure in my chest.