Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 332 Ava: Winter Preparations

I follow Wes to the main kitchen, my mind racing with thoughts of how to address our dire food situation. The sight of the two refrigerators and three chest freezers does little to ease my concerns.

The refrigerators are practically barren, save for a few sad-looking vegetables and some condiments. The first two chest freezers echo the same emptiness, their cavernous interiors mocking our predicament. It's only when Wes opens the third freezer that I feel a small spark of hope.

"There's some meat in here," I say, peering into the frost-covered interior. The packages are wrapped in butcher paper, neatly stacked and labeled. It's not much, but it's something.

"Yeah, someone's been bringing in their hunts," Wes confirms.

I turn to him, curiosity piqued. "Do you know who's been stocking these freezers?"

Wes shakes his head, his brow furrowing. "No, Luna. I'm not sure. It just started appearing a few weeks ago."

It's encouraging that at least one person in the pack is thinking ahead, trying to contribute to our collective survival. But the fact that we don't know who it is speaks volumes about the lack of communication and organization within the pack. Kellan's been focused on security and making sure everything's running. We need more than one person bearing the burden of everything.

First, we need to identify and mobilize our resources, starting with our most skilled hunters and those who've shown initiative in caring for the pack.

I look at Wes, a small smile forming on my lips. "Wes, I have a favor to ask of you."

He straightens, his eyes alert and eager. "Anything, Luna."

"I need you to go around and get me the names of our best hunters in the pack. And if you can, find out who's been responsible enough to try stocking the public kitchen." I gesture towards the freezer with the meat. "We need to know who our assets are if we're going to make it through this."

face lights up with understanding and determination. "Of course, Luna. I can do

Wes. This is

and

disappear through the kitchen door, his

Kellan and Vester are working on security and the supply run. I can ask Vanessa to report on our medical supplies and the state of the

and the gnomes

* * *

horizon when I make it back to my cabin. Lisa's

exhaustion settling deep into my bones. The day's events replay in my mind as I lean against the wooden frame, taking a moment to breathe. My gaze falls on Aurum,

guy," I murmur, crossing the

my fingers through his thick fur, marveling at how soft it feels. His warmth seeps into me, comforting and familiar, even if the wolf before me isn't quite the Lucas I

me talking to you," I say softly, settling in beside him. "I know you might not understand, or maybe you do.

the sound of his name, and I can't help

day, you know," I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought

always liked. His eyes close in contentment, and for a moment, I can almost pretend everything

freezers," I tell him, recounting the day's accomplishments. "We're going to need all the food we can get for winter. Did you know we have she-wolves who are experts at preserving meat? I didn't, but I'm

almost like he's acknowledging my words. I choose to believe

Vester have been a huge help," I say, my fingers still moving through his fur. "They gave Grimoire a map for setting up security measures. I hope that's okay with you. I know you're not entirely

though I

I admit, my voice catching slightly. "There's so much I don't know, Lucas. How did you manage all of this? How did you always

large head against my