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.

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

and could bring the moose back himself. He's strong enough. But there always has to be an extra bunch of wolves

problem with this idea. I just feel bad for the

the weird shit the Grand Sage makes

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

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

from my random introspection, her arm

us freeze mid-step. Even from behind,

slows to a

happening?" My hand slides to my wrist brace, cold 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

some giant monster eel that swims in snow, though,

head, her dark eyes scanning the trees. She doesn't know either. Of course.

from his chest. Whatever message

My heart pounds against my ribs as I recognize their practiced movements. This isn't just

close to me," Mira whispers, pulling me tight against her side. She

winter stillness now seems charged with tension, like the

wait for someone to explain what's

the ground