Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 320 Ava: A Stronger Bond Than Before

Soon, Grimoire assures me.

Great.

Selene sets her paw on the golden wolf's head, shoving it down while she rubs her head against my hand.

"Jealous?" I ask her in amusement.

Why would I be jealous? she asks, even as she wiggles her way between us.

Unlike with Lucas, she isn't trying to share affection with the golden wolf. It's me she wants to snuggle against.

I guess she still doesn't have a full connection with his wolf.

No, she agrees shortly.

As Kellan and Lisa approach, the golden wolf lets out a low, menacing growl in warning. Selene, ever protective, sits up abruptly and snarls back. He immediately cowers in response.

Kellan's voice cuts through the tension. "It might be best to keep him in here. Not everyone's seen their Alpha's new form."

The pack is already on edge; seeing their Alpha in an unfamiliar state could cause more unrest. He's taking it in stride, but maybe he's already seen it before.

Selene's agreement comes with an unexpected caveat. It wouldn't be good for them to see their Alpha wolf submitting to me, either. Unless... Her piercing gaze falls on me. Unless you wish to become Alpha yourself.

Me? Alpha? The very thought sends a jolt of panic through my system.

"No. Absolutely not. No way."

my refusal surprises even me. I've never wanted that kind of power or responsibility. I'm still adjusting to becoming

distress, Lucas' wolf squeezes past Selene. He bumps his massive head against my shoulder, whining softly,

display. I can feel

me, with slow and steady movements. He ignores her. She reaches out tentatively, her hand hovering over Lucas' golden fur. To my surprise, he allows her touch,

says, her voice barely above a whisper. "Like

his alpha presence. It's always hard for humans to take, especially when

still absently stroking Lucas' fur. "Wolf business is way too complicated

staying with Kellan?" I ask, concern coloring my voice. I've been so wrapped up in my own drama that I haven't had a chance to really check in with her about

just shrugs, her expression carefully neutral.

best friend. There's something going

stay with me instead?" I offer, even though I'm not sure how I'd manage it with Lucas in this state. What if he tries to eat her because she gets

on your mate." She gestures to the golden wolf still pressed against

about the gnomes? Are they doing okay, too?" I need to be more present in pack life

excuse of being newly mated means no one expects to see me around much for

"The Grand Sage is working on a new communications device. He's still designing it. He thinks he might be able to

to me. "That's fascinating. Does he think he can do

things to work through. He wants to go to a local human city so we

a mix of surprise and concern. "This is the first I'm hearing of

a bit sheepish. "We haven't brought it up to

flicker of worry ignites in my chest. I turn to Kellan, searching his face for any sign of how he feels about this. "How safe would it be to do something like

probably safe, but I can't guarantee it. Nothing's certain these days. Still, Sister Miriam mentioned that it's

in his head as he considers the possibilities. After a moment, he adds, "I could bring along a few wolves

washes over me. "That's a great

dramatic sigh. "More guards, right?" But

we were both once so angry and frustrated to have guards shadowing our every move.

thought of Lisa venturing out into the human world, even with protection, sends a tendril of fear