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.

I can muster. It's not much, considering I still feel like an imposter most days, but I give it my

her power.

don't like the Aspen wolves," he admits in a

since their arrival. They pull their weight, joining hunting parties and scouting expeditions. They've even been invaluable in

probe gently. "They've been nothing

features twisting in distaste. "They all think Ivy's a better Luna candidate. And they think Alpha Lucas is going to take her as his second mate. But he

low in her throat, the sound reverberating through our bond. I reach out to tug at her ears, a gesture that's become our silent

that I don't feel. Inside, irritation flares hot and bright. It's an emotion I've become all too

do you think those rumors came

Such things can't be proven. Even though the same damn thoughts

Exactly.

Wes protests, his eyes wide with concern, "they're

I feel. "Rumors are just that—rumors. They have no power unless

sound hollow even to

look convinced. His brows pull together, and I can almost see the gears turning

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

his cheeks. "We're all loyal to you. A lot of us feel really bad for how we treated you before. You've been amazing. More than

at my heart, even through the awkward singing of my praises. "Nothing's going to happen to me, Wes. I appreciate your concern, but I promise

to believe me, but can't. Then he shuffles his feet, clearly uncomfortable. "I guess I should get back to helping them out," he says reluctantly.

nod, offering him a smile I hope looks more genuine than it feels. "Thank you for telling me about this, Wes. And remember, if you hear anything else, you can always come