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.

heat suppressants, which didn't worry me before we got here because we were coming to Lucas. Now, I'm

my last

burns, and I rake my nails over it, scratching frantically. It's like a

notch after leaving the hospital. It—and my bond—are angry that we

sorry. I didn't make

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

refusing to be soothed no matter how

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

of me twitches and tugs, reminding

Kellan's still not back.

the armchairs, I toe off my shoes and cross my legs, taking

out the world around me. The incessant itching, the restless energy, the worry about Lucas—I push it all away, focusing on that strange, new connection I felt with the book. It's like a gossamer thread, barely there, but I can sense

Breathe in. Breathe out.

I reach for it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling. It's

The door creaks open.

snap open, the tenuous connection shattered. I can't help the sigh that escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan entering, his arms

wake you?" he asks, eyebrows furrowing as he takes

was just meditating. Lost my focus for

concern in his eyes. He doesn't push it, though, instead moving to the tiny

tossing a few items into the cupboards.

realized how famished I was until now. Kellan chuckles, pulling out bread

sandwich?" he offers, already reaching for

grateful for his thoughtfulness. As he prepares the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch has returned

back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering

and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really good—he's mixed it with basil and peppers,

I'm finished, he takes the plate, rinsing it in the