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."

ways I

cut 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

The words taste like ash on my tongue, but I force

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

"Thanks."

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 the

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

under my breath, "It's not about how

and I think it 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 motioning to

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

every move. It's strange, finally putting names to

I wonder if they're as

Probably not.

lifetime of these kinds of

over us in a silent inspection. I

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

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

serious. "I mean it, Ava. Be careful. Stay with

slinking to my side. This time, I'm not

"I will. Liam and Adam will think

nod. "Good. Make sure to keep your phone on