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."

and determination. "Of course, Luna.

you, Wes. This is really

it immediately and report back to you as soon as I have the

Wes disappear through the kitchen door, his steps quick

security and the supply run. I can ask Vanessa to report on our medical supplies and the state of the hospital. The gnomes are working on communications—which reminds me, are there walkie talkies anywhere? The wolves

gnomes could also

* * *

I make it back to my cabin. Lisa's gone, staying with Kellan

as I lean against the wooden frame, taking a moment to breathe. My gaze falls on Aurum, curled up on my bed. He has to be miserable, locked up here. No one seems

there, big guy," I murmur, crossing the room and sinking

it feels. His warmth seeps into me, comforting and familiar, even if the wolf before me isn't

"I know you might not understand, or maybe

name, and I can't help but smile.

"I never thought I'd be organizing hunting parties or discussing food preservation techniques. But

his ears the way Lucas always liked. His eyes close in contentment, and for a moment, I can

set up teams to stock our freezers," I tell him, recounting the day's accomplishments. "We're going to need all the food we can get

rumbles low in his chest, almost like he's

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 comfortable with Grimoire, but we need all the help we can get

though

me if I'm doing the right things," I admit, my voice catching slightly. "There's so much I don't know, Lucas. How did you manage

against my hand. I take it as encouragement and