Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 259 Ava: Going to Lucas

No shit.

I could have told him that; in so many ways, wolf packs are far behind their human counterparts. Even the humans have run little news clips on these things. Especially the rates of sexual assault on women, or wolf-on-wolf violence.

"How do you know this?" Vanessa asks suspiciously. "You said communication has been disrupted."

"Not all communication. Only those relying on human technology."

"Then shouldn't you know more about what's happening in the world?" I frown at the inconsistency.

"If I had people to communicate with, I would know. I don't, so I am as lost as you are, witchling. Here. A map." Acarus tosses a rolled up paper to Marcus.

For some reason, I expected something old and antique, with yellowed paper and jagged edges.

This is more like a smooth poster banner, neatly rolled up. A modern map.

Of course it is. Why would I think otherwise?

Distracted by thoughts of Lisa, I tune them out as they discuss routes and nearby cities. Ever since I decided to become a proper Luna, I've avoided thinking about her, leaving me with an icky feeling that I'm a terrible friend.

It's like no matter what, every decision feels wrong.

But every time I go down that road, I'm told I'm wallowing.

There's a huge part of me that still thinks I should have gone my own way and saved Lisa. Of course there is. Who wouldn't want to tell the world to fuck off and save their best friend?

But her safety came out of luck; not from the effort I put into it. Not even from the efforts of Lucas' pack.

It adds to that guilt rolling around in my soul.

Thinking about Lisa and the time after her kidnapping has my mind wandering down the dark days of not knowing anything, until Sister Miriam—

"Wait a second. Acarus, maybe you can answer this question."

"Yes?" He pauses mid-sentence to look toward me. "What is it?"

your mother able to stop

He stares.

One second.

Two.

and Vanessa look

know?" he asks, the words

it out when she visited me after

"Keep such thoughts to yourself, Ava Grey. There are certain talents people would kill to

his words has me shuddering. I know the feeling

me,

Sister

* * *

us

a way that has Marcus doubtful it can even get us to the place marked on the

follow, saying he only goes where his mother tells him

He's a strange person.

first hour is nothing but Marcus muttering directions to himself as he makes his way through the back roads, avoiding major highways. If

burning, we decide on an

fallen asleep after a while, because Vanessa shakes me awake by the shoulder. I'm in the backseat, which is basically a tiny bench that pretends it's

dark. Lots of stars in the sky, telling us we're far

too, and about three-quarters full. A piece of my

"He can't respond, but I told him we

words stir something within me, and I close my eyes,

still can't feel Selene; there's only vast emptiness

quite painful, but a definite pressure. It's different from my connection with Selene, yet somehow

Lucas. Well, not him,

okay. It would probably

tether connecting me to Lucas across the miles

voice taking on a thoughtful tone, "considering everything that's happened, maybe it's

a blush

would be stronger. You'd be able to sense each other more clearly, communicate better. In times like these, that could make all the difference. And with how strong you both

of communication might be the edge we need