Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 386 Ava: They Disappeared

"What do you mean, they haven't found them?"

The map sprawls across Lucas's desk, its edges curling where the paper wants to roll back into itself. Red marks pepper the surface—each one a spot where our scouts searched and found nothing.

"The tracks led here." Kellan's finger taps a spot near the eastern border. "Then nothing. Like they vanished into thin air."

Lisa shifts beside me, her arms wrapped tight around herself. The memory of Mira's death weighs heavy on her still. "Are they gone, then?"

"They're not thinking straight enough to hide." Kellan traces the path on the map. "The taint makes them aggressive, reckless. They'd be attacking anything that moves."

Lucas's jaw tightens. "Unless someone's controlling them."

The thought sends ice through my veins. Selene perks up, staring at me. She's been extra sensitive to my worry of late.

"The Mad Prince." Lisa's voice cracks. "You think he's controlling them?"

"It's possible." Lucas straightens, his shoulders rigid. "We can't assume they've just wandered off. Not with everything else that's happened."

His beta frowns. "I doubt that. They acted just like the wolves touched by the corruption. The only difference is their lack of scent."

"Could be a smokescreen. A way for them to keep us assuming horses instead of zebras." Golden eyes meet mine. "Or it could be exactly what it seems. Either way, we need to deal with it. We just need to increase security. Are you prepared?"

I nod. "The longer we wait, the more it spreads. I'm ready to go now."

"Kellan will lead a team of fifteen wolves to guard you while you work. I'd rather go myself—"

guard." Standing, I head to his side, sliding my arm through

you'll stay here." Kellan looks conflicted, much

detail," said mate adds

fine. But I want

her. There's a newfound intimacy there, and I'd love to know more. But that will have to wait. Time for girl

were when we found it. "I think it's over here. It took us an entire

heads for the door, pausing to squeeze Lisa's

his arms. Amber

don't like this," he murmurs into

his chest. "But it needs to

tighten. "Be

his gaze.

* * *

embrace is long gone by the time we reach the area of taint. Marcus and Vanessa trudge along beside me, while others roam ahead and others trail

in the snow as she trails

double what we

words whisper in

"Can

uncertain. The

his scent at me, tinged with something bitter.

"Grimoire says the taint is worse

we turn back?" Vanessa frowns. "We don't want you to overwork

this corruption to fester isn't an option. Not when it could twist more wolves into mindless