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."

I ask, "Why didn't

bright light of excitement fades, and Ryder's lips thin. No longer keeping eye contact, he gazes off to the side, clasping his hands behind his back

was severely injured. Many of the wolves we brought today were saved by his efforts. But

my eyes as an image of the grizzled old shifter

he's alive," I whisper, trying to

of my mate's hands,

words rumble against my back, and I nod jerkily, blinking against

he return with you?" Lucas addresses Ryder now,

new

at what

No one ever deserves a disability. Ever. But it's turning my world upside down to imagine someone so strong and

says, and I realize I've missed part of

"Understood, Alpha."

* * *

About Jericho, mostly, and the new problems that have now arisen. The old wolf managed to bring together many survivors. Not just wolves, but

Including vampires.

with them as the pack discusses whether to bring them here,

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

and the perfect height to sit on. It's also easy to eavesdrop in the area,

understand wanting to bring them here. Survivors

But, Selene prompts.

A few puffy white clouds float by, but for the most part, it's a vast expanse of brilliant blue. I also understand why the wolves are cautious. Everyone's been separated for

as she leans against my leg. Do you think the wolves would treat the Grand Sage differently if

really know him. I think they could

my knee. Petting her gives me a little solace, a break from my

The camp already feels stretched thin, resources dwindling faster than we can replenish

would you

is not a decision that needs to be

resting my palms on the smooth surface of the log. The breeze picks up, carrying with it the scents of pine and snow. Winter's grip

it's as if we are barely scraping by. There's always a

again,