Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 302 Ava: Strengthen Her Position

Selene ignores Lucas' reaction. Ava needs a show of strength when she's introduced to the pack. Too many know her as a Blackwood wolf, and all know she cannot shift. Once they know of me, it will be easier to form connections with the pack members.

Sister Miriam smiles faintly. "Those who want Ava's power would not care about her wolf, and Alpha Renard will lose interest in her once she is announced as the Westwood Luna. It is low risk, as I see it."

Lucas frowns, but his gaze settles on the gnome sitting quietly on the other side of the room. "Who are you?"

"Dr. Blackwell," I whisper in Lucas' ear. "He saved Lisa." Then, when I realize he doesn't understand, I add, "She's my best friend. The human with black hair. She's Kellan's mate."

"Ah."

Sister Miriam inclines her head toward Dr. Blackwell. "He is under an alias here in your territory, but he is a powerful figure among many supernaturals outside of your influence. The Grand Sage of the gnome community, and a pioneer in magical technology."

Lucas' emotions ripple through our bond, a mix of confusion and frustration that bleed over, affecting my own feelings. It leaves me antsy and tense.

Just push the bond away, Selene says then. Mate bonds can be very strong in early days. Your emotions will be mirrored if you can't get control of it.

He doesn't seem as affected as I am, but I imagine a thick blanket over his emotions, creating a small barrier between us. It's enough to ease the tension in my shoulders.

"It would be a good decision to placate the wolves," Vester says, his tone grim. "They need a little hope. Right now, even with the ability to sleep and rest, everyone's on edge."

a lot of questions due to Alpha's absence. His unresponsiveness in the

its way to my back, his touch warm and comforting as he rubs slow circles. The gesture is so familiar, yet tinged with

to be my buffer," he says, his words flat

time

Lucas, a low growl. "I will not hide behind

to hide, Alpha. Merely boost confidence among our people. We have lost too many; we're a fraction of what we were.

Vester's gaze, until the delta's eyes drop to the floor. "I can see the merit in the argument,"

want to

As do I.

nods. "Do as you

"With that decided, I'm here with news. Good news,

head on Lucas' knee. Her affection for him is obvious, and Lisa stares with a puzzled

weird to

eerie calm that sends a shiver down my spine. "There is no evidence of any supernatural activity within sixty miles in any direction," she reports, her red eyes scanning the faces around her. "The closest hub is actually a registered

tense beside me, his hand on my back stilling for a moment before resuming its comforting circles. The absence of supernatural activity should be reassuring, but knowing others are suffering only brings ominous shudders to my

ever practical, voices the question on

Lisa, those unsettling red eyes boring into her. "It is good to know there are those who are not allied with our

through the tension. "The enemies of our enemies are our friends," he says. "We need

shakes her head. "I don't get it. They're all gone. How can we ally with dead