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."

insidious whispers reminding me of all the ways I could fail. All the lives I'm risking with every choice. How can I

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, hoping she can't see the cracks

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

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

"Thanks."

the fit with an intensity that borders on invasive. I squirm under his scrutiny, biting back

going to kill me," I grumble,

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

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

might be approval, but it's hard to tell when he punctuates it with a smack to my back that nearly sends me stumbling. I shoot him a scowl, but he's already

us. Remember, if I tell you to jump, you jump. Don't stop to ask how high, and

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

and I wonder if they're as nervous as I am beneath

Probably not.

of these

over us in a silent inspection. I stand a

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

feels. "Careful? Always. Besides, it'll be weird not having you around. We spend way too much time together as it

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

chimes in, slinking to my side. This time, I'm not leaving your

I nod. "I will. Liam and Adam will

my gaze a moment longer, searching for something, before stepping back with a sharp nod. "Good. Make sure to keep your phone on you.