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."

safe while she does

can

trusted people, and arguably the best healer in your pack." I press my palm against his

my waist, grip firm through the layers

I have responsibilities to our pack." I rise on my toes to brush

a heated kiss that makes

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

I lean into him, savoring

in every morning and night." His teeth graze my lower lip. "No

at my teasing tone. "You know, if you time your night patrols right, you could

he claims my mouth again. His kiss

door creaks open, followed by Vester's exaggerated sigh. "This is

before every mission." Lucas doesn't bother

"I do not maul—"

thumb traces my cheek. "At least I

was one time! And we thought we were

the med

is a fascinating story, and I'm definitely going to bother Vanessa about it later. But I shove my gloved hands against

throat, once again cool as a cucumber. "Are

heat or aggression behind it. Sliding his arm around my waist, he guides me to the door,

exit, where most of us gather before saying goodbye to any scout team departing—where most of our cars are parked, currently buried beneath a few inches of

before me

Startling.

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.

voice rings

mouth opens. Closes.

take in the setup. Supplies are already loaded, secured with thick rope against the

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

approach the sled. Her delicate black nose goes wild

out breathless. No more fighting through waist-deep snow. No more exhausting myself before I even