Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 266 Ava: Cottage

There's a tiny cottage a few buildings away, with familiar faces guarding the entrance. Their eyes barely flick in my direction as Kellan brings me inside, reminding me I still have a long way to go in order to gain affection from this pack.

After being in the Fae Ward, I'd almost forgotten how few of even my own guards actually like me.

Most of them are tolerant. Loyal enough, but I wonder now if they would have sacrificed everything to keep me safe when the attacks happened.

Marcus would have. I don't doubt that. I've seen his dedication.

No. No point doubting them. That's no way to start a friendly relationship.

Shaking off the depressed thoughts edging in, I look around the interior, pleasantly surprised once again.

These buildings all look rustic and old from the outside, but inside, they're clean, fresh, and modern, with bright walls and glossy black trim. It only has one bedroom, a tiny bathroom with a stand-up shower, and a tiny kitchen. Two armchairs face a window. No TV or other electronics.

"Where's Selene?" Since I can't see Lucas, I may as well focus on other important things.

"I'm not sure. That's a question you'd have to ask Sister Miriam. Once she stops by, I'll let her know you're here." Kellan checks the fridge. "There's no food, but I'll bring some over."

"I'm okay tonight," I say quickly, not wanting him to work any harder. My stomach grumbles, immediately revealing the lie for what it is.

"I'll get you something," he says firmly, walking away before I can argue.

While he's gone, I explore the tiny house a little more closely. There's no dust. The air isn't stale. It's been freshly cleaned, and the bedsheets and comforter don't sport a single wrinkle.

Squishing down on one of the pillows, I watch it bounce back. Fluffy pillows. I like fluffy pillows. I need two of them under my head and if I'm really fancy, a third for between my knees. When I lived with my parents, I had a single pillow that was as flat as a pancake. Nothing like these.

Scratching at my arms, I peek through the cabinets of the bathroom. Women's sanitary supplies under the toilet, different styles. Good call; I'm due for my period soon.

before we got here because we were coming to

my last

my nails over it, scratching frantically. It's like a thousand tiny itches merged

veins kicked up a notch after leaving the hospital. It—and my bond—are angry that we left

sorry. I didn't

my bond as a person, it's definitely someone flipping a table in my chest, sending my heart flip-flopping with the force

can't stop moving, can't stop scratching. My skin crawls, refusing to be soothed no matter how much I

mutter, pacing the length of the room for what feels like the hundredth time. My feet refuse to stay still, bouncing me from one end to

string inside of me twitches and tugs, reminding

Kellan's still not back.

toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking a deep

itching, the restless energy, the worry about Lucas—I push it all away, focusing on that strange, new connection I felt with the book.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

inside me vibrates, a faint resonance building. I reach for it with my mind, trying to grasp that

The door creaks open.

can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as

you?" he asks, eyebrows furrowing as

smile. "No, I was just meditating. Lost my

instead moving to the tiny kitchen area. I watch

tossing a few items into the

how famished I was until now.

sandwich?" he offers, already reaching for a

thoughtfulness. As he prepares the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The

and I can't help but wrinkle my nose. The smell of tuna brings back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering face flashing in my mind. I

up the sandwich. I take a bite, forcing myself to chew and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really good—he's mixed it

eat, his expression unreadable. When I'm finished, he takes the plate,