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 quarantined immediately.

hunting parties

parties can starve or adapt. I won't lose more wolves to this corruption. She'll still be purifying, just at a slower rate. That's

bowl, but the human looks ready

tell Kellan.

"What about Mira's—"

rites won't be today,"

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 protective

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

her like this. She's always

still strong. Taking a life changes you, even

should have

everything possible. Stop acting like you can stop every bad thing in the world from happening.

The weight of leadership sits heavy on her small frame—my fierce little mate who takes every loss personally. Who feels responsible for everyone

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

forehead against my chest. "He's going to keep coming after her. If he's been looking for her even with the world in such

single vampire is enough to light the rage simmering in my blood. "He'll find we are not as unprepared as

to hunt down every threat to our mate and pack. But rushing in without planning

to find the

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

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

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

shirt. "You can't argue with me

her temple. The familiar spark of our

living thing demanding attention. My fingers tighten in Ava's hair as her breath warms my chest. The