Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 289 Ava: Who He Is

The way Lucas watches me is terrifying.

Terrifying, because there's finally interest in his gaze.

I don't want to hold hope, because every time I have even the glimmer of it, he says something that crushes my heart. The way he doesn't even recognize our fated bond kills me. It's yearning, aching in my chest, wanting me to go to him. To claim him. To shake and scream until he remembers all the pain and all the joy between us.

Instead, I sit there, scratching more vigorously at my arms, and the string inside of me tugs harder, as if trying to get my attention. I ignore it.

"Your scent."

Glancing at Lucas, who stops talking mid-sentence, I sniff discreetly in the direction of my armpits. Did I forget to scrub? He keeps talking about my smell.

"Do I stink that bad?"

"It's getting stronger," he confirms, his voice husky.

Maybe this is his way of getting me to leave again. "Do you want me to go?"

"No."

Oh. Never mind, then.

My heart dances at that denial, though, raising hope high on a flag pole and waving it at the walls I've tried desperately to construct around my heart.

of me," he says, shifting his weight as his eyes never leave me. They're golden and intense,

he finally recognizing the

That would be great.

wash over me. Lucas's scent, amber and campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood. Back to when he'd found me, after I'd run away from everything I'd ever

you, but you stuck around anyway. You were determined, and I was just afraid you'd leave me again. Change your mind at any time. But you never

into my apartment while I was at work. Spread your scent around. It should have been creepy, but... it wasn't.

slightly, but he remains silent, listening

be so sweet sometimes," I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "And awkward too. It's endearing, really. The way

me from my family, Lucas. You're the first person to ever do

everything he's been through

understand how you can be so strong, so secure in

golden gaze never

isn't staring at me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if he doesn't see his fated mate.

words tumbling out before I can stop them. "You were always there, waiting for me to turn to you. And now... now the

my heart pounding in my chest. Lucas grunts, a low sound that reverberates through the quiet room, but I

* * *

"How'd it go?"

as I walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the belief that fated mates

"I don't know. Every so often, I think he's getting a hint of the bond. Then he says something so casual that just destroys every last hope

tuna sandwich and a pitiful handful of chips. I raise

shrugging. "Wasn't sure when you'd come home,

to the gut. Is this really home now? It feels temporary, but our home isn't

of my lunch, my appetite suddenly gone.