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."

of all the ways I could fail.

off the spiral before it takes hold, squaring my shoulders and lifting my chin. Fake it 'til you make it, right? I meet Vanessa's gaze,

on my tongue, but I force them out anyway. "It's time

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

"Thanks."

gear, testing the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I squirm

kill me," I

that can cut

breath, "It's not about how they look. I

that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him a scowl, but he's already motioning to two other bodyguards, more of the older

be coming with us. Remember, if I tell you to jump, you jump. Don't stop

the constant rotation of suited figures that shadow my every move. It's strange, finally putting names to the stoic expressions.

wonder if

Probably not.

a lifetime of

Kellan strides in, his gaze sweeping over us in a silent inspection. I stand a little straighter, feeling like

a stop in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my

it'll be weird not having you around. We spend way too much

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

slinking to my

I nod. "I will. Liam

a moment longer, 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 if anything goes