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.

says, shifting his weight as his eyes never leave me. They're

he finally recognizing

That would be great.

transported back to Cedarwood. Back to when he'd found me, after I'd run away from

to do with you, but you stuck around anyway. You were determined, and I was just afraid you'd leave me again. Change

tugs at my lips as I remember those early days. "You'd break into my apartment while I

brow furrows slightly, but he remains silent, listening

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

throat tightens as I recall darker times. "You saved me from my family, Lucas. You're the

he's been through because of me, settles heavy on

voice cracking slightly. "I can't even begin to understand how you can be so strong, so secure in your love, especially after...

gaze

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

feels like life is forcing me to 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

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

* * *

"How'd it go?"

the door, her eyes shining with optimism and the belief that fated mates

shivering at the memory of his eyes burning into me. "I don't know. Every so often, I think he's getting a

and a pitiful handful of chips.

she admits, shrugging. "Wasn't sure when

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

meager remains of my lunch, my appetite