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."

me. "And she has an entire team of highly trained wolves to keep her safe while she does it. Plus, Vanessa and Marcus are coming. They'll make

can

palm

waist, grip firm through the layers of winter gear. "You're

pack." I rise on my toes to brush my lips against his jaw. "Let me do this.

capturing mine in a heated kiss that makes my toes curl inside

than usual.

lean into him, savoring his touch. "Plus,

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

smile tugs at my lips as he growls at my teasing tone. "You know, if you time your night patrols right, you could

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

Vester's exaggerated sigh. "This is what's taking so

Vanessa before every mission." Lucas

"I do not maul—"

thumb traces my cheek.

was one time! And we thought we were

quick kiss. "Behind the med tent isn't

it later. But I shove my gloved hands against my mate's mouth, my cheeks hot.

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

growls, but there's no heat or aggression behind it. Sliding his arm around my

facto village exit, where most of us gather before saying goodbye to any scout team departing—where

before me

Startling.

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

Vanessa's voice rings with

opens. Closes.

had it worked out, but..." The words trail off as I take in the setup. Supplies are already loaded, secured with thick rope

I meant we'd just carry less?" Vanessa's laugh echoes

nowhere to approach the sled. Her delicate black nose

breathless. No more fighting through waist-deep snow. No