Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 293 Ava: Re-Establishing...

"Lucas!" I call out sharply, shoving against his chest. My heart races, desire coursing through my veins as fear dissipates. He isn't violent. He's just affected by my heat.

And as much as I'd love to have it take over us both, I can't let that happen. I know how it feels to regret decisions made in the moment. I don't want Lucas to feel that way about us.

He blinks, shaking his head as if clearing fog from his mind. Stepping back, he murmurs, "I'm sorry. I'm not sure what came over me."

"It's okay," I say softly. "I think our bond is trying to reassert itself, now that I'm here." It's what makes the most sense in this scenario, anyway.

My bond yearns toward him in my chest, and it's physically painful to not step forward and nuzzle into his chest.

Lucas nods slowly, his brow furrowed. "That makes sense. The way I'm drawn to you is overwhelming." Even as he says that, he lifts his hand to brush his fingers against my cheek. I can't help but lean into his touch, craving the connection we once had. His skin feels like fire against mine.

I want so much more than this.

"Why are you so hot?" he asks, concern lacing his voice.

I blink, confused. "Me? You're the one burning up."

Lucas shakes his head. "No, your cheeks are flushed. You feel warm."

As if on cue, a chill runs through my body, making me shiver. Lucas' eyes narrow.

"You have a fever," he says sharply. "Why?"

a bit strained. "Pot, meet kettle. You're not exactly

going into heat. And it's affecting you, too." I don't remember Clayton being hot like this,

my neck. A soft growl rumbles in his chest, sending shivers down my spine that

do?" he asks, his voice husky. "For your

through my mind. "I, uh... I slept with another alpha during my last heat." I rush to add, "But that's not an

gold as his head snaps up, a possessive snarl escaping

reaction, a flicker of triumph dancing through the bond in my chest. Even

then confusion flickers across his face, as if he's surprised by his own vehemence. He takes a

sorry," he says again. "I don't

him shiver beneath my touch. "It's okay. It's the bond, and my heat

through my body, and I have to fight to keep my knees

to leave if you keep smelling like this," he

rising in my cheeks. I'm acutely aware of every point where his body touches mine, and it

my voice barely above

slightly. His eyes search mine, and I can see the conflict

to leave?" he asks, his voice

of walking away from him now, when every fiber of my being is screaming for his touch, is unbearable. But I know I have to give

to," I say

jolt of pleasure through me, and

to leave," he says, his voice rough with need. It's not a request or

my eyes as a familiar fire spreads through my veins. It's like my body remembers his touch, even if his mind doesn't