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."

me of all the ways I could fail. All the

lifting my chin. Fake it 'til you make it, right? I meet Vanessa's gaze, hoping she can't see the cracks

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

you, in case anything happens." Holding out her hand, I notice that she's holding the candle I

"Thanks."

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 toes against

stare that can cut glass. "You dressing for a fashion show or a

"It's not about how they look. I just want my

a smack to my back that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him

if I tell you

figures that shadow my every move. It's strange, finally putting names to the stoic expressions. "Got it. Nice

wonder if they're as nervous as I am beneath their unflappable

Probably not.

a lifetime of these

Kellan strides in, his gaze sweeping over us in

of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals

force a grin, hoping it looks more confident than it feels. "Careful? Always. Besides, it'll be weird not having you around. We

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

Selene chimes in, slinking to my side. This time, I'm

of Kellan's concern, I nod. "I will. Liam and Adam will think

nod. "Good. Make sure to