Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 303 Ava: Westwood Luna

Everything moves too quickly, and before I know it, Lucas and I are standing in front of the entire pack.

All the scouts are back for the occasion. Even the humans who lived in this community before our arrival are here.

This place was long ago chosen as a safe place in case of invasion, though I'm sure previous alphas never believed such a day would happen.

Lucas stands before the pack, his presence a palpable force that washes over the gathered crowd. I can't help but marvel at the sheer power he exudes, even without his memories. His alpha aura blankets the area, and I watch as it affects both wolves and humans alike.

The weaker members of the pack bow their heads, unable to meet his gaze; it's a stark reminder of the hierarchy that exists within wolf society. But it's the stronger wolves that catch my attention, their eyes glittering as they watch Lucas. A mix of pride and unease churns in my stomach. How many of them are eyeing his position, waiting for a moment of weakness?

Lucas's voice rings out, clear and commanding. "I have found my mate, your new Luna."

The cheers that follow are halfhearted at best, a ragtag chorus that lacks true enthusiasm. My heart sinks a little. I knew this wouldn't be easy, but the lukewarm reception still stings.

"Ava," Lucas says, gesturing for me to join him.

I step forward, my legs feeling like lead. As I look out over the crowd, I'm not surprised to see several faces twisted with discontent. Their disapproval is written plainly across their features, and I fight the urge to shrink back.

continues, his voice steady and sure. "Ava has been working tirelessly to bring allies to our pack. She understands the threats we

also strange to hear Lucas speak about me this way when I know he

on a note of pride that makes my heart skip, "it was Ava who brought Sister Miriam to us.

cheer erupts, catching me off guard. The sound washes over me, a far cry from the tepid

in the hospital, Selene says, sounding rather

faces before me, trying to gauge the sincerity of their reactions. Some still look doubtful,

the shift in the atmosphere. "I know there have been rumors circulating about Ava not

turns to me, scrutinizing, judging. I force myself to stand tall, my chin lifted. I meet their gazes head-on, refusing to cower or look away. My heart pounds in my chest, but

voice

surprise moves through the crowd. Whispers start up, quickly

is unique," he says, his eyes scanning the faces before us. "She is one-of-a-kind,

many faces. I can almost hear the questions forming in their minds: How can this be? What wolf? What is

gesturing to his side. "I'd like to introduce you to

cue, Selene trots forward, her movements graceful and deliberate. She takes her place beside me, her presence a comforting warmth against my leg. The crowd's confusion deepens, their gazes darting between me and Selene. After all, she's a husky. I'm sure they think

dog to their

pack as Luna, Selene's voice echoes in