Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 331 Ava: Wes

The new wolf turns, and I feel a flicker of recognition. I know him from somewhere, but his name escapes me. He jogs over, a friendly smile on his face. Young. Really young. A little scrawny compared to the others, but broad-shouldered and tan.

Tousled blond hair.

"Hi Luna, I'm Wes. Follow me."

As we start walking, I try to place where I've seen him before. "How are you doing, Wes?"

He shrugs, his smile fading slightly. "It's been rough for everyone, but we're managing."

I study his face, trying to gauge his age. He's barely more than a kid, judging by the patchy scruff across his face. "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"

Wes glances at me and laughs. "I'm sixteen."

My eyes widen in shock. "Sixteen," I repeat, my voice soft. Yet he's wearing tactical clothes similar to those my guards wear.

He nods, then adds, "We used to train together under Amara."

That's why I recognize him. Memories of those group training sessions flash through my mind, and I feel a pang of guilt for not remembering him sooner.

"You're a lot different from what the rumors said," Wes comments, pulling me from my thoughts.

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. I knew there were rumors, but no one's been willing to repeat them in my presence. "Oh? What kind of rumors?"

Wes looks sheepish for a moment. "Well, I used to believe you were just a filthy Blackwood, manipulating the Alpha. That you didn't have a wolf and were utterly worthless." He rushes to add, "But that changed when I watched you training. You worked harder than anyone."

Perhaps not all those eyes I felt on me during training were filled with suspicion or derision. Maybe some, like Wes, were watching with growing respect.

of regret washes over me as I once again realize how prickly and defensive I've been. How many potential allies did

wolf today?" Wes asks, breaking the silence that had

resting," I reply, grateful for the change

nods, a hint of excitement in his voice. "It's pretty cool that

respond to that. But Wes's enthusiasm is infectious, and

light. "But tell me more

our lives. But..." He straightens his shoulders, a determined look in his eyes. "I want

companionable silence for a few moments before Wes speaks up again.

exactly? I hope Kellan hasn't been feeding me in relative luxury compared to the others. Not that sandwiches are

the way, Wes. And thank you for being honest with me.

* * *

amazing no one's

empty. We have some beans and rice, cans of tuna, and several jars of peanut butter and jelly.

also bread, eggs, and several jars for protein shakes. Oatmeal. Some boxes of cereal and a shelf filled with Pop-Tarts, with a

"Is this all?"

to hunt. There's a small vegetable garden, and we're making a greenhouse to extend our yield as long as possible." Wes points at a cupboard on a far wall. "We do

"I see."

stomach twisting. It's sobering to be here, to see

most worried about right

concern because Alpha hasn't been around much lately. But honestly, most of the stress is about food and making

"How are people coping?"

taking it day by day," Wes says with

I consider my next question. "Wes, have you heard much talk against

and I can see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes. Slowly, he

I press on.