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.

sign of taint, the area

hunting parties

adapt. I won't lose more wolves to this corruption. She'll still be purifying, just at a slower

bowl, but the human looks ready to

tell Kellan. "Take

"What about Mira's—" Her

burial rites won't be today," Ava

her closer, letting her lean into my strength. Her scent carries the sharp tang of exhaustion mixed with honey

circles on

hate seeing her like this. She's always been

still strong. Taking a life changes you, even when

have been there

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

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 so much

herself so worthy of the title, but

going to keep coming after her. If he's been looking for her even with the world in such a state,

voice; our pack's history with this single vampire is enough to light the

to calm him. My wolf wants blood—wants to hunt down every threat to our mate and pack.

need to find

fingers through her blonde hair. "No more solo missions. Not until we deal with this threat. You can't take on

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

out at all. We just need to be more careful. Coordinate everything.

"You can't argue with me when I tell you what to

press a kiss to her temple. The familiar spark of our connection tingles

tighten in Ava's hair as her breath warms my chest. The rage still burns hot in my blood, but my focus—our bond's focus—shifts. The need to