Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

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."

bonds are supposed to help with healing, but we never finalized ours. Still, it

to feel the warmth of his skin beneath my fingers. But

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

"I can see how

he's healing, though. Maybe soon

strange expression

floods my face. 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

shakes his head. "No, it's not that.

lip, trying to think of what could have changed. Maybe

my wrist, I waft the bracelet in the

then shakes his

in his eyes, reminiscent of the

wrong. By the way his nose wrinkles and he recoils back just a bit, my guess is that I'm

He doesn't like

can my mate dislike my scent? Such a thing should

I wanted to

Should I

again. "I think it should be okay. What's your

drops. "Ava.

Grey. The

would remember that—but, of course, Kellan must have filled him in on recent history and the current pack situation. Of course

nod is heavy on my neck. "Beta Grey is my father,

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

"A curious choice

No choice for either of us," I remind

I forgot

just some random detail…

letting these little phrases get me

and that string of connection within me is humming, tugging

can't focus on that right

he asks me, studying my

Have the doctors said anything about you breaking out of this room? I'm sure you're desperate to get