Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 380 Lucas: Their Bond Wants More

LUCAS

Being blindsided by the enemy sends pure rage through my body, but I struggle to keep it contained, to hide the depth of my fury from my sweet little mate and her human friend.

They're busy blaming themselves, and I'm ready to burn the world down for bringing this onto their shoulders.

This Mad Prince has gone too far once again. I already have a large blood debt to pay; this has brought it back to urgent priority.

Aurum paces beneath my skin as I watch my mate push a bowl of stew into Lisa's trembling hands. The human's face remains pale, her eyes haunted. Even after proving her strength in battle, she looks fragile enough to shatter.

"You need to eat." Ava's voice carries that gentle tone she uses with injured wolves. "Please, Lise."

Lisa stares into the bowl as if it holds answers rather than meat and vegetables. "I'm not hungry."

"Just a few bites. The protein will help."

"Kellan." I keep my voice low as I motion him closer. "We need to implement those changes now."

He nods, following me to the corner of the room. "The rotating patrol schedule?"

"Yes. I want the best trackers we have checking the perimeter twice daily."

I tap my fingers against my thigh, considering our options. "Our supply runs will need double the guards. Make sure we have them staggered so no one knows where they're going. We've been too complacent, shopping too close."

"And the taint?"

That's the real problem. Without Ava's purification, the corruption will spread. But we can't risk her, either.

the area gets

parties won't

I won't lose more wolves to this corruption. She'll still

bowl, but the human looks ready to fall over. The shadows under her eyes speak of

Kellan. "Take

stiffens. "What about Mira's—" Her voice

burial rites won't be today," Ava says gently.

pull her closer, letting her lean into my strength. Her scent carries the sharp tang of exhaustion mixed with honey and vanilla. The combination twists my

traces circles on

like this. She's

strong. Taking a life changes you, even

have been there

turn her to face me, cupping her face between my palms. "Don't. You did everything possible. Stop acting like you can stop

of leadership sits heavy on her small frame—my fierce little mate who takes every loss personally. Who feels responsible for everyone under our protection. She's changed

pride that my mate has shown herself so worthy of the title, but she has yet to learn how to

against my chest. "He's going to keep coming after her. If he's been looking

growl edges into my voice; our pack's history with this single vampire is enough to light the rage simmering in my blood. "He'll find we

I breathe in Ava's scent to calm him. My wolf wants blood—wants to hunt down every threat to our mate and pack. But rushing in without planning would only put more lives at

find the

solo missions. Not until we deal with this threat. You can't take on responsibility for every single bit of corruption we

tenses against me. "But it's a danger to

keep us safe, and we're grateful. I'm not saying you won't be going out at all. We just need to be more careful. Coordinate everything. Either Kellan or I need to be with you at all times." Ideally, it would be me every

of breath warms my shirt. "You can't argue with me when I tell you what to do

to her temple. The familiar spark of our

warms my chest.