Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 265 Ava: The Receptionist

It isn't until we're walking that I realize still I don't hear Selene in my head. Her presence hasn't filled its space.

I was so focused on Lucas that I forgot my own damn wolf. That's terrifying, in a way.

"Didn't you say Selene's here?"

"She was." He glances at me in the dim moonlight. "She's been coming and going a lot. Can't you talk to her?" He appears confused; I guess no one's specifically told him that Selene and I can't contact each other over long distances.

"No."

"Oh." He's quiet as he processes that. "So you just… can't talk to your wolf?"

I shrug. "She's her own person. I guess it's because she isn't in my body."

Kellan makes an odd sort of noise in his throat. I glance at him in concern. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he says, shaking his head. "Your bond with Selene is just strange. Communication isn't equal among wolves—some can have full conversations, some don't—but you're another level."

Ah. Yeah, it is weird. It's become such a normal part of my life, though. "Yeah." To me, it's strange to think someone has a wolf and can't talk to them.

"How did you know to come here if you don't speak with Selene?" Kellan asks.

The golden stranger's strange friendliness and otherworldly presence flash through my mind. I open my mouth, ready to explain about Acarus again, figuring he'd forgotten the brief conversation from earlier.

might have

my mouth shut. We don't know who it is or if they're still here in

instead, putting heavy emphasis on the last word.

eyebrows raise slightly, but then understanding dawns on his face. He faces forward, but I can still see

mind races, cataloging every interaction, every face I've seen since arriving. Which is only about six

could the

someone close to Lucas is

My stomach churns.

* * *

building with blacked out windows, looking desolate in

as we step inside. It's like walking into

It's a modern hospital.

and I find myself blinking rapidly, trying to

to the side, with several doors, all closed. The familiar smell of antiseptic has my

the faint shadowy outline of people as they walk past. Even this late at night, it's good to know there are people around to take care of the patients, just like any other

I ask Kellan in

been here for a long time." He taps at my shoulder, nudging me to follow

looks up as we approach, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Beta Ashbourne," she greets Kellan, her voice syrupy sweet. "Alpha is sleeping

settles on my lower back, guiding me forward. "Actually, yes. I've brought his

by a cool professionalism that borders

and yet still out of reach. I want to scream, to demand entry, to use whatever authority being his

would be unethical.