Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 355 Ava: Wes' Concerns

Wes comes to an abrupt stop a few feet from me, breathing heavily from his run. "Hi, Luna."

He avoided me for months after the vampire incident, apparently suffering from a severe case of hero worship. Once I finally cornered him and told him to treat me like normal, we've regained a new status quo.

One where he stares at me with stars in his eyes, and I try really, really hard not to notice.

The hero worship has yet to wane. He's absolutely fascinated with the fact that his Luna can wield magic. Most of the younger wolves are. Some of the older ones aren't thrilled, but the overwhelming response has been in my favor, effectively keeping them quiet.

Oh, there are whispers. And those whispers are routed to Lucas' ears.

I know they exist, but I refuse to know what people are saying. As Selene and Vanessa have both pointed out, my self-esteem can be deflated with a single pin.

It's a work in progress.

"What are you doing, Wes?" Judging from his flushed cheeks and how he was running across the compound, I'd guess he's on some sort of errand. The younger wolves have really stepped up lately. Many of them even help gather firewood.

Wes grimaces before smoothing his expression into careful neutrality. "I was tasked with helping the Aspen wolves settle in, Luna."

His attitude catches my attention immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong," Wes replies, his gaze fixed somewhere over my left shoulder, avoiding mine.

energy I can muster. It's not much, considering I still feel like an imposter

the helpful companion, radiates just a touch of her power. It's enough to

the Aspen wolves," he admits in a

soft words startle me. The Aspen wolves have integrated seamlessly into our pack life since their arrival. They pull their weight, joining hunting parties and scouting expeditions. They've even been invaluable in

gently. "They've been nothing

And they think Alpha Lucas

the sound reverberating through our bond. I reach out to tug

such silly rumors, Wes," I say, forcing a lightness into my tone that I don't feel. Inside, irritation flares hot and bright. It's an emotion I've become all too familiar with since Ivy's

think those rumors came from? Selene grumbles through

at her ears again, harder this time. Such things can't be proven. Even though the same damn thoughts go through my head.

Exactly.

his eyes wide with concern,

they're saying," I interrupt, gentler than I feel. "Rumors are just that—rumors. They have no power unless

sound hollow even to

and I can almost

ifs'," I say firmly. "Alpha Lucas and I are mates. I'm his only mate, and I'm the Luna of this pack. Nothing will change

can tell he's not entirely reassured. "I just don't want anything to happen to you, Luna," he mumbles, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "We're all loyal to you. A lot of us feel really

heart, even through the awkward singing of my praises. "Nothing's going to happen to me,

believe me, but can't. Then he shuffles his feet, clearly uncomfortable. "I guess

offering him a smile I hope looks more genuine than it feels. "Thank you for telling me about this, Wes. And remember,