Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 336 Ava: Under Attack

Vanessa bursts through the door, calm despite the energy buzzing around her. "You have two minutes to pack a bag. Evacuation is now."

I grab my messenger bag, with Grimoire inside. Lisa stands ready beside me, already with a bulging backpack slung over her shoulders.

"Kellan had a 'go bag' ready for me since I moved in with him," she explains sheepishly.

I nod, impressed by Kellan's foresight. My own preparations feel woefully inadequate in comparison. Hastily, I stuff a couple of extra outfits into my bag.

Turning to Vanessa, I gesture towards Aurum's massive form on the bed. "We need a way to carry him. He's not waking up."

Vanessa frowns as she assesses the situation. "We'll figure something out. Maybe a stretcher."

Movement to the east, Selene's voice interrupts, her tone distracted and tense. They're trying to find a way around the wards.

"We don't have enough vehicles for everyone. Most of the pack will have to go on foot. We'll need to split the evacuation—humans in the cars, shifters on foot."

My heart sinks at her words. That means I'll be separated from the pack. "Is that safe? Splitting up, I mean?"

Vanessa's eyes meet mine, a mix of determination and worry in her gaze. "It's not ideal, but it's our best option. The shifters can move faster through the forest, and we need to get the humans to safety as quickly as possible."

I nod, understanding the logic even as fear gnaws at my insides. My gaze drifts back to Aurum, his golden fur rising and falling with each breath. How are we going to move him?

"What about Aurum?" I ask, unable to keep the concern from my voice.

"We'll use one of the trucks. Don't worry."

Vanessa instructs the guards outside the door to carry Aurum on a stretcher to the truck. To their credit, they ask no questions, obeying in efficient silence. Only minutes later, we're in the heart of the pack with the others. Humans are divided into cars, as many as they can fit. Their fear is so strong, even I can smell it in the air.

"Ava." A familiar voice cuts through the chaos, and I turn to see Marcus approaching. Relief washes over me at the sight of his weathered face.

"Marcus!"

His eyes never stop scanning the area. "I'll be sticking with you and Lisa. We need to keep the human evacuees safe."

and dependable, makes the impossible task ahead

pack member helps at least one other before shifting into wolf forms, securing packs to each other's backs. The chaos I

now," Vanessa says, following my

wounded?" I ask,

eyes lightening at the question. "We have no wounded.

for small

dash out into the night. Their coordinated movements speak of

reinforce the scouting party," Vanessa explains, her voice eerily calm given the

my mind, sending a jolt of fear

they?" I ask, trying to keep my voice

half a

battle, but there's nothing. Is a half-mile really that far

my shoulder. "They're probably suppressing

in her enigmatic expression. "What about you? What are you

both comforting and patronizing. "I need to make sure all loose ends are cleaned up so no reports of this camp get back

and her eyes meet

I can respond, she vanishes from view, leaving me staring at the empty space where

and out, with a few

let out a

good ally," Vanessa says, her

agree, just as a piercing scream tears through

orderly

curses. "Vamps. They're

us, speeding blotches of black

over screams and

herding children, their bodies low and protective as they run in the opposite direction of the invaders. "Marcus! Make sure some are guarding

"Yes, Luna!"

buy them time to get to

pack. It's too dark to see

at me. "We

first, as Marcus directs some wolves to aid the