Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 316 Ava: Selene vs Grimoire

I crack my eyes open, glowering in Grimoire's direction. To my surprise, Lucas mirrors my expression, his brows furrowed as he stares daggers at the sentient book. Even Selene, now sitting across the room as she watches, growls with unmistakable hostility.

Grimoire clears his throat, clearly sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere. "Perhaps a more hands-on approach would be beneficial," he says, his tone noticeably softer. "Ava, if you would hold my hand, I'll guide you through the process."

Hesitantly, I reach out and place my hand in his. The moment our skin touches, I feel a surge of energy coursing through me. It's different from the raw power I've experienced before—more focused, controlled.

I want to ask him why, when I touch him as a book, he takes my magic. And how, now that he's here and human, I can take his. But that's a question for another time, not when I'm busy doing something important.

"Now," Grimoire instructs, "close your eyes and follow my lead."

I obey, letting my eyelids flutter shut. Grimoire's presence in my mind is gentle but insistent, guiding my consciousness along unfamiliar paths. We delve deeper into the recesses of my psyche, searching for that elusive connection to Lucas.

But as we explore, Grimoire's mental touch becomes hesitant, then puzzled. The silence in the room grows heavy as minutes tick by without result.

Finally, Grimoire's voice breaks the stillness, tinged with confusion. "This... this can't be right."

I open my eyes to find him staring at me, his brow furrowed in concentration. "What is it?" I ask, anxiety creeping into my voice.

"You are correct," he admits reluctantly. "There's nothing there. No trace of a pack bond, no lingering connection." Grimoire shakes his head, clearly struggling to articulate his thoughts. "As if the bond doesn't exist."

How could that be possible? I've felt the connection between Lucas and me, felt the warmth of our bond, the presence of his mind, at the moment of our mating connection. It can't just not exist.

Selene sounds downright surly. This shouldn't be news to you, book. Ava has no access to the pack bond. Why act surprised now?

Grimoire bristles at her words. "There should still be something," he snaps back. "A remnant, a trace, anything. Even without access to the full pack bond, there should be some evidence of the connection between mates."

earlier admonition. "It doesn't change how I feel," he says firmly. "Bond or no bond, I know there's something between us, Ava.

alpha moron. It's only one facet of it that seems to be missing…" Grimoire's voice trails off as he looks at Selene, silver eyes brightening.

Apologize, Selene growls.

"Apologize? For what?"

hackles raised and teeth gleaming as her upper lip lifts in

nod. He did.

is as

me? I have been

and flashing silver eyes, and the next he's gone. The heavy thud of his book form hitting the floor

teeth bared in a snarl as she clamps down

of my fierce, dignified dog-wolf gnawing on a book like an overgrown puppy with a chew toy is almost too

on," I say, reaching for the book. "Let him

Grimoire's leather binding. I have to tug a bit before she finally releases him, leaving behind a few wet marks and indentations from

Grimoire in my arms, I glance up to see Lucas watching me. His eyebrow is raised, a mix of amusement and confusion playing across his features. Right. He has no

say, feeling a bit sheepish. "They were arguing. Selene...

darting between me, the book, and Selene. "I see," he says, though his tone suggests he doesn't really

voice suddenly erupts in my mind, loud and indignant. That flea-bitten mongrel! How dare she attack me? I

volume of his mental tirade. "Grimoire, calm down. She

him? he scoffs. From what? Words? How painful they

growl grows louder, her ice-blue eyes fixed on the book in my hands. Apologize, she demands, her mental

can almost feel Grimoire's indignation warring with his self-preservation instinct. Finally, he speaks, his mental voice noticeably

grudgingly. My words were... perhaps...

he's not used to backing down, but Selene's fierce protectiveness has cowed even his

say, patting the book's cover