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."

mind, insidious whispers reminding me of all the ways I could fail. All the lives I'm risking

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

more wavering." The words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force them out anyway. "It's time

"Well, we'll be behind you, in case anything happens." Holding out her hand, I

"Thanks."

with an intensity that borders on invasive.

me," I

cut glass. "You dressing for

not about how they look. I just want my

it's hard to tell when he punctuates it with a smack to my back that

and Adam. They'll be coming with us. Remember, if I tell you to jump, you jump. Don't

their faces from the constant rotation of suited figures that shadow my every move. It's strange, finally putting names

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

Probably not.

had a lifetime of these kinds

us in a silent inspection. I stand

in front of me, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. "Be careful out

Besides, it'll be weird not having you around. We spend

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

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

nod. "I will. Liam and Adam will think

gaze 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