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.

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

last dose is still

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

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

didn't

imagine my bond as a person, it's definitely someone flipping a

skin crawls, refusing to be

length of the room for what feels like the hundredth time. My feet

of me twitches and tugs, reminding me

Kellan's still not back.

the armchairs, I toe off my shoes and cross

close my eyes, trying to shut 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

Breathe in. Breathe out.

me vibrates, a faint resonance building. I reach for it with my mind, trying to grasp that elusive feeling. It's like chasing smoke, but I persist. The world fades away, and

The door creaks open.

escapes my lips as I turn to see Kellan entering,

asks, eyebrows furrowing

I was

his eyes. He doesn't push it, though, instead moving to the tiny kitchen area. I watch as he starts unpacking, stocking the fridge with water bottles and a carton of

a few items into the

on cue, my stomach growls. I hadn't realized how famished I was until now. Kellan chuckles, pulling out bread and a can

sandwich?" he offers, already reaching

prepares the food, I try to ignore the crawling sensation under my skin. The itch has returned full force, and I resist the urge to

but wrinkle my nose. The smell of tuna brings back unwelcome memories of Todd Mason, his leering face flashing in my mind. I push the thought away, reminding

myself to chew and swallow. It's not bad. It's actually really good—he's mixed it with basil and peppers, adding a nice bit of crunch and flavor. It's

finished, he