Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 374 Lisa: Something's Wrong

Seeing Ava seems to have breathed life into my limbs again.

Our return is easier. Perhaps it's because we've already trampled a path in the snow, or maybe moose stew is just that rejuvenating. Either way, I'm confident I won't be a complete mess by the time we return to Wolf's Landing.

And if a part of my brain is thinking, good, I won't bring shame to Kellan's status in the pack, well, I'm pretending not to notice too much.

It's hard to be a human among wolves. Humans aren't as strong, aren't dialed into the pack bond, and just aren't as respected as other wolves. Even refugees outside the pack find a place in Wolf's Landing. Jobs to do. Friends. A circle of community that gives back.

Me? I have Ava. And Kellan. And the Grand Sage. Even Elverly's mostly lost to the daily cycle of feeding so many people.

It isn't that I'm unhappy—shockingly, I'm pretty okay, outside of wanting to find my parents—but that I feel lost.

No one really knows what to do with me. Which is fair, because I don't know what to do with myself. I'm starting to understand why Ava had such a hard time standing on her own two feet and growing a sense of self-worth; it's like floating in a sea on a piece of driftwood while everyone else plays happy dolphin family.

Does that make sense? Maybe it doesn't.

I've made a few friends, but it's all surface-level. It's not like before, which is probably because I'm now known as the beta's mate. They all treat me a little differently now, which is why it's so nice to have Mira with us today. A little bit of normal interaction in this crazy mess of a new life.

I'll get it figured out. I know I will.

a good mood, well-fed, and with the sun rising high to help a little with the frigid temperatures, we stroll arm-in-arm behind the other wolves, who help Kellan drag along the sled of

much help and could bring the moose back himself. He's strong enough. But there always has to be

no problem with this idea. I

Grand Sage makes me do,

more trauma than I did. It was terrible, yes. But I only saw

couple missing limbs or something? I've read enough books and movies to know

wrong." Mira's mutter distracts me from my random introspection,

us freeze mid-step. Even from behind, I notice

a

against my skin, hidden beneath a few layers of clothing. It won't be easy to access, but just knowing it's there makes me feel a little more secure if something suddenly comes charging at

that swims in snow, though, I

eyes scanning the trees. She doesn't know either. Of course. She's not part of

chest. Whatever message he received

defensive formation around us without a word. My heart pounds against my ribs as I recognize their practiced movements. This isn't just caution—this is

close to me," Mira whispers, pulling me tight against her

What I'd thought was peaceful winter stillness now seems charged with tension, like the air before a storm. Even the wind through

shake slightly as I wait for someone to explain

crunch of snow under paw becomes the only sound as the other wolves shift forms. Their clothes litter the ground around the sled as they take up positions in a wider circle. Only Kellan and