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.

his eyes never leave me. They're golden and intense, different from the way he looked at me when I first

he finally recognizing

That would be great.

me. Lucas's scent, amber and campfire smoke, fills my senses, and I'm transported back to Cedarwood.

Gala. I wanted nothing to do with you, but you stuck around anyway. You were determined, and I was just

my apartment while I was at work. Spread your scent around. It should

furrows slightly, but

whisper. "And awkward too. It's endearing, really. The way you bend over backwards to keep me happy, to keep me

times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the first person to ever

weight of everything he's done for me, everything he's been through because of

how you can be so strong, so secure in your love, especially

golden gaze never

me like I'm a complete stranger. He's starting to see me, even if

repay a debt," I say, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. "You were always there, waiting for me to turn to you. And now... now the tables have turned. It's my turn to wait

Lucas grunts, a low sound that reverberates through the quiet room, but I have no idea what he's

* * *

"How'd it go?"

walk through the door, her eyes shining with optimism and

often, I think he's getting a hint of the bond. Then he says something so casual that just destroys every last hope I've ever

me a plate with half a tuna sandwich and a pitiful handful of chips. I raise an eyebrow at her, and she flashes

shrugging. "Wasn't sure when you'd

like a punch to the gut. Is this really home now? It feels temporary, but our home isn't ours any longer. What does it look like

pick at the meager remains of my lunch, my appetite