Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 304 Ava: Selene's Presence

The crowd falls silent, a wave of submission rippling through the gathered wolves. Some drop to their knees, eyes averted, while others struggle against the invisible force emanating from Selene. I watch in awe as her aura pulses, a shimmering curtain of power that washes over even the strongest wolves until they, too, lower their heads in deference.

Even Kellan has his gaze lowered.

Only Lucas stands, unaffected.

Of course. I would never undermine his authority here. Selene sounds way too smug, but I can't blame her. This display of raw power is unlike anything I've ever witnessed, and it's coming from my wolf—from a part of me I'm realizing I took for granted.

Lucas seizes the moment, his voice ringing out clear and authoritative. "Wolves of the Westwood Pack, bear witness. Ava Grey stands before you as your one true Luna. She is my mate, chosen by fate and accepted by me. I demand your loyalty, your respect, and your unwavering support for her."

His words carry weight, each syllable heavy with the command of an Alpha. I feel their impact through our newly forged pack bond, a ripple of energy that seems to reinforce Selene's display of dominance.

Now is the time for your speech, Ava, Selene's voice echoes in my mind. Show them who you are.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. This is my moment—our moment. I step forward, feeling the eyes of every wolf upon me. The silence is deafening, expectant.

"Wolves of the Westwood Pack," I begin, my voice stronger than I expected. "I stand before you not just as Lucas' mate, but as a warrior in my own right." Though the idea of calling myself a warrior falls flat in my head, Selene assured me it's the right word to use. "I may not have been born into this pack, but I choose it. I choose you."

I pause, letting my gaze sweep across the crowd. Some faces are still wary, others curious, but all are attentive.

"I know many of you have doubts. You've heard rumors, whispers of a Luna without a wolf. But as you can see, those rumors were false. Selene is my wolf, as much a part of me as your wolves are a part of you. We are different, yes, but that difference is our strength."

I gesture to Selene, who sits regally by my side. "In Selene, I carry the wisdom of ages, the strength of our forebears. Through her, I am connected to the very essence of what it means to be a wolf. And through me, she is tied to humanity in a way no ordinary wolf can be."

my words is heavy on my tongue. "I won't lie to you. The road ahead is difficult. We face threats from all

We are not weak."

voice grows stronger. "We are the Westwood Pack. We are survivors, fighters, a family bound by more than just blood. We will rise again. With every last drop of my blood, with every last

* * *

in the cabin—Kellan whisked her away, and I'm not asking questions. I'm sure I'll hear the

and

Well, almost.

be with a pack, Selene says, sounding almost blissful as she wiggles her husky body between us, shoving at Lucas' arm until he pets her instead of

she just say something? I think I almost

she forgot how it feels to be

bit of light in his eyes goes dark. "Oh. I

heart hurts as his face shuts down.

in a way that should be playful, but

wiggles even harder, wedging herself more firmly between us as we sit on the couch. "Not feeling the

hole that can't be filled." Lucas rubs Selene's ear tips, and my dog-wolf lets out an enormous, pleased sigh over the affection. "I know what it should feel like, but

Sister Miriam, Selene opines, licking his hand.

even thought of asking

focused on

from my own

Sister Miriam? Selene says

pauses in its gentle fluffing of Selene's ears, his golden gaze intense on mine.

oddly unenthused at the idea of

"What's wrong?"