Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 367 Ava: New Plan

Vanessa and I have come up with a plan. It's a little crazy, and something we've been trying to avoid, but—there's a chance it's going to make things a lot easier for me.

We're going to spend a week on the perimeter, chasing down areas of corruption. No more wasted time walking miles back home every day. Granted, we'll be carrying a lot more stuff than normal, but I've already been banned from holding anything heavier than a whisper.

Is it crazy to admit that I'm a little excited?

Lucas frowns as he tugs my coat firmly closed. "I don't like it."

"It doesn't matter if we like it or not. We don't have a choice." Wrapping my hands around his, I keep my voice soft. "We can't risk our people getting caught up in this stuff."

His fingers work methodically to secure each button of my coat. "I just don't see why you can't come back every day."

"And waste hours and energy trudging back and forth through the snow?" My boots are comfortable, like walking on clouds, and I stamp my feet experimentally. They're new; Lucas gave them to me last night. I'm a little worried about breaking them in, but he swears up and down I won't get a single blister. "That's not practical. We need to cover more ground, and camping out is the most efficient way. It'll give me more rest between sites, too."

"I said no." His jaw tightens as he tugs my scarf higher.

"You didn't, actually. You said you don't like it. There's a difference."

His golden eyes narrow, and I swear I can see him pondering whether or not to wrap my mouth with the scarf to keep me from arguing with him. Of course, he won't keep me here. He's already agreed to it. He's just reserving his right to complain—at length. "Winter camping is brutal, Ava. The temperatures drop well below freezing at night."

"Good thing you've assembled an experienced team then." I catch his hands as they fuss with my collar for the third time. "I'm not the same girl you first met. I'm stronger now."

"Being stronger doesn't make you immune to hypothermia."

"No, but it means I can handle myself better." I squeeze his fingers. "Marcus has years of experience with winter expeditions. Greg practically grew up in the snow. The entire team knows what they're doing. And I have my magic to keep me warm. Fire's easy."

"That's not the point."

"Then what is? Because from where I'm standing, this is the most logical solution. We can't risk leaving any of that tainted energy out there where it could affect more wolves."

Lucas's shoulders tense. "The point is that my mate wants to camp in subzero temperatures while there are rogues and hunters in the area. Not long after collapsing, too."

wants to protect our people." I step closer, letting his warmth seep into me. "And she has an entire team of highly trained wolves to keep her safe while she does it. Plus, Vanessa and Marcus are

can miss

press my palm against his chest, feeling his heart thunder beneath my touch. "Plus

hands settle on my waist, grip firm through the layers of winter gear. "You're not the

your Luna. Which means I have responsibilities to our pack." I rise on my toes to brush my lips against his

kiss that makes my toes curl inside my boots. The cold air vanishes, replaced by his

mouth between kisses. "More than usual. The cold burns through—" Another kiss steals his

into him, savoring his touch. "Plus, Marcus and Greg are excellent

back, pressing me closer. "Check in every morning and night." His teeth graze my lower lip.

A smile tugs at my lips as he growls at my teasing tone. "You know, if you time your night patrols right, you could always stop by our camp. That would be

his chest is his only response before he claims my mouth again. His kiss turns

followed by Vester's exaggerated sigh. "This is

before every mission." Lucas doesn't bother looking away from

"I do not maul—"

absolutely do." His thumb traces my cheek. "At

And we

steals another quick kiss. "Behind the med tent isn't alone.

I'm definitely going to bother Vanessa about it later. But I shove my gloved hands against my mate's mouth, my cheeks hot. "I have to

Vester clears his throat, once again cool as a cucumber. "Are you done saying goodbye,

there's no heat or aggression behind it. Sliding his arm around my waist, he guides me to the door,

goodbye to any scout team departing—where most of our cars are

sight before

Startling.

wolves stand in formation, hooked up to what can only be described as the most impressive dog sled I've ever seen. Their fur gleams in the morning light, like someone's given them a bath and brushed them out. Leather straps connect them to a wooden contraption that looks both ancient and

voice

opens.

you had it worked out, but..." The words trail off as I take in the setup. Supplies are already

laugh echoes across the snow. She seems excited,

of nowhere to approach the sled. Her delicate black nose goes wild as she sniffs it

perfect." The words come out breathless. No more fighting through waist-deep snow. No more exhausting myself before I even reach the