Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 288

Chapter 288 Ava: Healed

Lucas motions toward his arms and legs with a wry smile. "I guess my healing came back with a vengeance."

That's an understatement.

My heart pounds as I rush a few feet forward, stopping short at the foot of the bed as I drink him in.

Alive. Well. Healed.

The strong alpha I remember, even if he doesn't know me anymore.

"Can I... would it be okay if I looked you over?" All the confidence I projected at that receptionist from earlier is gone, and I'm timid in front of my mate, this man with my heart in his hands.

He surprises me by standing up beside the bed, a low chuckle stirring my heart and tear ducts into production. A slow circle, arms raised, as if showing himself off.

Steady.

Confident.

No trace of the injuries that had left him bedridden.

The familiar planes of his face soften with a lopsided smile that squeezes my heart. I ache to touch him, to assure myself this isn't another dream that will evaporate like mist.

His golden eyes are clear, no longer marred by the hint of pain. The broad shoulders I once clung to stand straight, unbowed by suffering. His skin is unblemished, no longer marred by recent wounds.

Joy surges through my veins, bright and buoyant. He's here. Whole. Well, almost.

My vision blurs with tears, and I hiccup in the most unladylike manner. "I'm so glad you're better."

The words aren't enough to convey the depth of my joy over his recovery.

Lucas motions for me to sit on the end of the bed. I perch there, hyper-aware of his presence as he settles on the opposite end. The distance between us feels too far, and I wonder if for him it isn't far enough.

His gaze is still that of a stranger, but his words are more friendly than yesterday. "The mate bond must be real. You're the only change in my treatment. I guess my body recognizes it somehow."

never finalized ours. Still, it feels

his hand resting on the bed. I ache to reach out, to feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers. But I hold back, not wanting to make him uncomfortable. He may acknowledge our bond now, but he doesn't know me.

here helped at all, I'm just thankful to have finally done something for you." My lips quirk. "You're usually the one doing everything for me. It's odd to have the shoe

chuckles. "I can see how that might

less knowing he's healing, though. Maybe soon his memories will

sniffs the air. His brow furrows, a strange expression crossing his face. "Your scent... it's different today.

I cross my arms over my chest, mortified. Whatever it is, he doesn't seem to like it. "I showered before I came," I insist, my voice higher than usual.

it's not that.

trying to think of what could have

my wrist, I waft the bracelet

shakes his

the way Lucas used to look at me.

the way his nose wrinkles and he recoils back

He doesn't like how I

dislike my scent? Such

Lucas, I wanted to bury myself in

I

he says, sounding oddly distant as his nose wrinkles again. "I think it should

heart drops. "Ava.

Grey. The Blackwood Greys,

second, I'm startled he would remember that—but, of course, Kellan must have filled him in on recent history and the current pack

on my neck. "Beta Grey

against it. Casual. Powerful. Looking way too good for someone who doesn't want me yet. My body and bond within me yearn

he muses. "A curious

No choice for either of us," I

forgot about

some

stop letting these little

string of connection within me is humming, tugging as if to get my

focus on that right now.

asks me,

itchy. Have the doctors said anything about you breaking out of this room? I'm sure you're

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