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

squaring my shoulders and lifting my chin. Fake it

my tongue, but

behind you, in case anything happens."

"Thanks."

are everywhere, tugging at the straps and buckles of my gear, testing the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I

me," I grumble, flexing my toes against the

fixing me with a stare that can cut glass. "You

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

my back that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him a scowl,

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

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

professional to a fault, and I wonder if

Probably not.

had a lifetime of these kinds of

over us in a silent inspection. I stand a little straighter, feeling

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

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

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

to my side. This time, I'm not

of Kellan's concern, I nod. "I

a sharp nod. "Good. Make sure to keep your phone on you.