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.

of taint, the area gets

hunting parties won't

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

Ava's voice draws my attention. She's gotten Lisa to eat half the bowl, but the human looks

Kellan. "Take

"What about Mira's—" Her voice

be today," Ava says gently. "Get

shut behind Lisa and Kellan. My mate's shoulders slump, and I 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

time." My thumb traces circles on Ava's hip.

this. She's always

strong. Taking a life changes you, even

have been

turn her to face me, cupping her face between my palms. "Don't. You did everything possible. Stop acting like you can stop every bad thing in the world from happening. It's

mate who takes every loss personally.

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

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

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

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

to find

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

"But it's a danger to everyone if we let it

mean it, little witch. We're all aware of what you've done 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 time. But the

"You can't argue with me

kiss to her temple. The familiar spark

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 hunt transforms into something