Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 272 Ava: Self-Care

"Ava?"

My eyes snap open, heart racing as I jolt upright in the armchair. Kellan's face swims into focus, his brows pulled together with concern. For a moment, I'm disoriented, the remnants of a dream clinging to the edges of my consciousness.

"I... what happened?" I mumble, rubbing my eyes. The cottage comes into focus around me, and I remember where I am.

Fell asleep on the armchair while meditating. Oops.

Kellan crouches beside me, his voice low. "You fell asleep here. Are you okay?"

My neck is stiff from the awkward position. Rolling my shoulders, I try to work out the kink. "How long was I out?"

"If you went to bed as soon as I left, it's been about four hours."

I guess that's fine. Daylight is streaming through the windows, so I hop out of the chair with excitement. "Can we see Lucas?"

Kellan holds up a hand. "Whoa, slow down. Visiting hours don't start for a couple more hours. I brought you some clothes and breakfast." He jerks a finger behind him at the table. "Figured you'd want a shower and to get…" He waves his hands vaguely over his body. "Presentable."

Oh.

That's a good idea, too.

"Thanks."

pat, he adds, "Don't forget to

"Got it."

* * *

The shower is amazing.

and conditioner that smell

off my frame like I'm a

later, my blonde tresses hang free and wild

Oh, well.

be found. Sitting at the small table by the window, I wrap my hands around the warm mug, accepting its heat in lieu of

stomach is fluttering, making it hard to even

the compound, rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see. In the light of dawn, it's beautiful and

Peaceful.

Serene.

like the chaos inside

Lucas.

of him lying in a hospital bed, injured and without his memories, sends a sharp pain through my chest. I take a sip of coffee, hoping the bitter liquid will ground me, but it does little to ease the worry gnawing at

the wolves can't seem to

mind, each one more

take a bite of the sandwich, knowing I'll need my strength for whatever comes

It's as if the entire world is holding its breath, waiting for something to happen. Or maybe that's just me, projecting my own anxiety onto

we're in the middle of

Magic. Another complication in an

really want