Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 212 Ava: The Challenge of Being Luna

Jericho's words leave me reeling. "No, he hasn't said anything." I can't keep the surprise from my voice. "But I'm aware it's not normal. How can any of this be normal?" I wave a hand over my body in frustration. "It's unknown territory for all of us, but Lucas says we can get through it together."

His eyes narrow. "Witches aren't well regarded in history. There will be pushback from those who want nothing to do with a witch, even one born from a pack."

Kellan shifts uneasily, conflict etched on his face. "Ultimately, the Westwood wolves will accept their alpha's mate." His words are confident, but his tone is not.

"If Lucas is hell-bent on forcing Ava down their throats, there will be alpha challenges." Jericho's words are a grim warning.

And he's not wrong.

Alpha challenges are a right of any wolf in the pack.

If Lucas chooses an unsuitable Luna—me—there will be outraged wolves ready to challenge his status within his pack. It's why I can't take the responsibility lightly. Why I can't take the title as my due, even when some of the guards use it for me.

I don't want to be Lucas' weakness.

I want to be his strength. His partner.

A Luna isn't just their alpha's mate; she is a leader in her own right.

"I've never wanted to become Luna until the pack accepts me. That doesn't change."

Jericho's expression softens slightly. "I'm not trying to hurt your feelings, Ava. But I need to know if you're willing to fight for your place in the pack despite all odds."

"Jericho, stop borrowing trouble," Kellan interjects, but Jericho rounds on him.

"We wolves are superstitious and loyal to our lore. With everything going on and the increase in vampire presence, a witch won't be looked at kindly."

"Why would it be a problem when wolves once worked with witches? They called them magicians." I can't hide my confusion at the history I've learned from Selene.

Jericho shakes his head. "I've never learned of witches working with wolves, only of those who wished to gain control over humans and wolves."

Glancing at Selene, I ask, "How do vampires see witches?"

admission hangs heavy in the air. "The Unregistered communities have been around for a long time, effectively segregating many from our world. Common knowledge is no

ever been there?" I ask, looking between

scouts trying to learn more about

can't shake the feeling that we're missing crucial information. Why do Sister Miriam and this unknown person seem so sure I'll enter the city? "How much does Steve know about the Unregistered city? She seems familiar with it,

told us she has no information

mean she doesn't know anything. It's just that she doesn't

possible," Kellan concedes after

visit Steve." I'm talking to Kellan, but Jericho interrupts again,

intend to fight

unflinchingly. "I will never give up my place as Lucas's

you do if you have to choose between your

There's no hesitation in my

rounds on him, fury in his eyes. "Stop interfering. This isn't

of Luna is a concern of every wolf in the pack." Jericho's voice is steel. "I need to know that the Luna will work for the pack over all others. No Alpha and no Luna can

in my gut, a disquiet I can't

the pack in any more danger. I can't do that again." Meeting Jericho's gaze, then Kellan's, I add, "I've learned my lesson. I want to fight with all of you. I want to keep every Westwood wolf safe.

that, Ava," Kellan says, but Jericho

You'll need to stand by it when the challenges

* * *

It's a different kind of silence to our normal, and Kellan seems distracted

there will be challenges if Lucas announces me as his

side of his eye, before returning his attention to the road.

Jericho's always seemed

the deaths of the previous pack leaders, Lucas'

"How did they die?"

the steering wheel.

it's a secret. I can ask anyone in the

eyes unreadable. "You sure

facts, Selene murmurs in my mind.

don't even know the official story," I mutter, rubbing my temples.