Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 214 Ava: Dressing for Danger

Lucas doesn't answer Kellan's text, or my phone call.

Probably busy again with the Council.

Stretching, I test the range of motion in the lightweight tactical clothing Kellan provided. The fabric is breathable, but I'm already sweating beneath the impact-resistant layer in the shirt. A knife rests heavy on my belt, and the boots feel stiff, promising blisters if I have to run for my life. But of course the beta insisted, so here I am, trussed up like an operative minus the arsenal.

The bodyguards have all ditched their suits for similar getups, though several sport guns on their hips. I turn to Marcus, brow raised. "Why don't I get a gun?"

He barely glances my way. "A gun in untrained hands is just asking for trouble."

I purse my lips but concede his point with silence. Using it would require an instruction manual, and there's no time for that in an emergency.

Still seems like something I should probably learn, considering that my physical prowess is much worse than the average shifter.

The door swings open and I blink in surprise as Vanessa strides in, kitted out like some special ops soldier. She catches my stare and explains, "Jericho updated me."

Something in her gaze gives me pause. Is that pride? Whatever it is, I shift uncomfortably under the unexpected approval. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Vanessa's lips quirk. "Lately, you've seemed paralyzed by indecision, scared to make the wrong move. I'm glad to see you've found your confidence again."

A humorless laugh escapes me. Confidence? I'm trembling in my boots. Literally. "I'm not confident at all. I'm constantly second-guessing myself, wondering what the right call is."

Vanessa steps closer, her voice low and intense. "Stop admitting that. Everyone needs their leaders to project confidence, even if it's an act."

whispers reminding me of all the ways I could fail. All the

my chin. Fake it 'til you make it, right? I meet Vanessa's gaze,

more wavering." The words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force

satisfaction flickering across her face. "Well, we'll be behind you, in case anything happens." Holding out her hand, I notice

"Thanks."

everywhere, tugging at the straps and buckles of my gear, testing the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I squirm under his scrutiny, biting back a yelp when he

going to kill me," I grumble, flexing my

cut glass. "You dressing for a fashion show or a

my breath, "It's not about how

it with a smack to my back that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him a scowl, but he's already motioning to two other bodyguards, more of the older wolves under Jericho's

Adam. They'll be coming with us. Remember, if I tell

every move. It's strange, finally putting

heads, professional to a fault, and I wonder if they're as nervous as

Probably not.

of these kinds

us in a

boring into mine with an intensity that steals my

"Careful? Always. Besides, it'll

If anything, his expression grows more serious. "I mean it, Ava. Be careful. Stay with your guards at

of you, Selene chimes in, slinking to my side. This time, I'm not

concern, I nod. "I

searching for something, before stepping back with a sharp nod. "Good. Make sure to keep your phone on you. Don't hesitate to call for backup