Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 354 Ava: Ryder Brings Good News

A horde of wolves stream into our camp. Several shift in the middle of the snow, eager to embrace their friends or family for the first time in months. It feels as though the entire compound is out to watch the largest crowd brought in by our scouting team.

There's an overall atmosphere of joy and celebration, but underneath it all, my mind worries over simple problems. Food. Firewood. More shelter. We only have so many tents, so many beds, so many blankets… And winter isn't over yet.

"Kellan," I call out, spotting his broad shoulders in the crowd. "Get these people settled in the new tents. Make sure they're comfortable. We may need to switch people around to make sure no family units are broken up."

He nods, already moving to direct the flow of refugees. A pang of worry hits me as I consider our dwindling firewood supply. We'll need to send people out for more.

My eyes scan the crowd. Some of them are from other packs; they hang back, tails tucked, in small groups of their own. One group has their tails up, panting in the snow as they glance around. Probably Aspen wolves.

Right on cue, Ivy approaches them.

Distracting me from the influx of new people is Delta Ryder Thorn, looking like he's been through hell and back. He's lost weight, and his fur seems matted. But there's something about him that has Selene sitting up to take notice.

"What's going on?" I ask Lucas, who unwraps his arm from around my shoulder.

"I don't know. He wanted to tell us in person. Come, let's head to the debriefing tent."

Ryder follows us without comment, though he's practically bouncing on his paws. He shifts almost as soon as the tent flap closes behind him, grabbing some clothes at random off the shelves we have for that purpose.

"I bring good news," he announces, his voice hoarse but triumphant.

Lucas raises an eyebrow, a silent command to continue.

"We found Jericho."

My hand shoots out, grabbing Ryder's freshly donned shirt before I can stop myself. "Where is he?" I demand. He wasn't in the group.

A firm hand pulls me back, and I let go of his black shirt as my back bumps into Lucas' chest. To his credit, the delta doesn't flinch at my reaction, only grinning wider. "He's with a group of supernaturals, about a hundred miles northwest. They're all in hiding."

"How did you find him?" Lucas asks, cool as a freaking cucumber. Like it's any report on any given day.

"He found us through the pack link. When we got close enough, he reached out."

"Why didn't he come back with

of excitement fades, and Ryder's lips thin. No longer keeping eye contact, he gazes off to the side,

Mentor Jericho was severely injured. Many of the wolves we brought today were saved by his

fill my eyes as an image of the grizzled old shifter jumps

he's alive," I whisper, trying to give myself something positive to cling

my shoulders bow under the weight of my

words rumble against my back, and I nod jerkily,

with you?" Lucas addresses Ryder now,

the new arrivals and keeping an eye on Ivy.

at

he's handling it. No one ever deserves a disability. Ever. But it's turning my world upside down to imagine someone so strong and vibrant forever trapped in a

realize I've missed part of the conversation. "I

"Understood, Alpha."

* * *

subordinates spent a long time in discussion. About Jericho, mostly, and the new problems that have now arisen. The old wolf managed to bring together many

Including vampires.

bring them here, to the safety of Wolf's Landing, or

followed me—and my ever-present bodyguards—to a giant log in

to eavesdrop in the area, so I take the time to converse through our

to bring them here. Survivors

But, Selene prompts.

blue. I also understand why the wolves are cautious. Everyone's been separated for so long, even wolves don't know much about the other

thigh as she leans against my leg. Do you think the wolves would treat the Grand Sage differently if they learned he is a gnome, and not one of your tiny

many of them really know him. I think they could just

her gives me a little solace, a break from my thoughts with the repetitive motion of my fingers

the potential new arrivals. The camp already feels stretched thin, resources dwindling faster than we can replenish them. Yet, turning away those in need goes against everything we believe

would you do,

decision that needs to be made

of pine and snow. Winter's grip is tightening, and I can't

doing well before. Now, it's as if we are barely scraping

overthinking again, Selene