Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 420: Ava: Functioning Luna in Crisis (I)

Okay. Fuck all my inadequacies. This isn't the time, and trauma is a luxury.

That... doesn't sound right.

Ignoring Grimoire, I've managed to haul my brain into functional Luna in crisis mode by the time we make it back to Wolf's Landing.

We would have been here ages ago, but we used the time to scent out our general area on the way back—just in case.

Still no sign of the invaders, of course, but about five minutes out, we finally get a message from one of the scouting parties. They've found tracks and are on the hunt.

Good. Finally, something productive.

Still no way to contact Lucas, which is a massive problem and I have to haul back dire thoughts about him getting murdered or kidnapped—both of which, Selene points out, are far more likely to happen to me, which is a totally awesome ego boost (not, obviously), but it does help put the dangers into perspective.

My first big step as Functioning Luna in Crisis is to haul ass to the Grand Sage the moment I get permission. Our gray-skinned captive comes with me, along with a whole-ass platoon of shifters and a bunch of gawking on the way there, but they're the least of my concerns right now.

The shadow wolf murderer is still unconscious, anyway.

Lisa and I share a brief moment of hugging and being relieved each other is alive, and I finally learn that Marcus and Greg are, too. They're both here, watching over her.

Then I send all three of them away. Lisa needs to be outfitted in full tac gear, like all of us. The aesthetic isn't a big deal, but there's a vest that protects against claws and teeth (and knives, which I think was the original point of it), and different weapons that can be tucked in strategic places, and boots that won't freeze her toes when we go thirty below.

All things that might matter if terrible things happen to us all.

Meanwhile, it takes the Grand Sage less than five minutes to say there's something interfering with our communications. Which, I know, is pretty damn obvious at this point. But I wasn't here for the diagnosis—I'm here for the treatment.

fix it?" I demand, sounding way too pushy and impatient for Normal Ava. However, it sounds pretty right for Functioning Luna in

is pretty mild, though. It's not bothering her

if we ever have kids, she'll be a nightmare about her

unless you call them something stupid. Like Lemon. Or

gravity of the situation, I laugh at the idea of shouting for

a grip reminiscent of eagle's claws.

though I don't argue with the gnome. Her harsh words are always meant to hide her true feelings. "No. I was kind of busy being chased down by a big, bad

Luna in Crisis

that. Guess it's bothering her more

No. It's just childish.

Oh.

breakfast," like it wasn't a pack-wide

haven't even gone to identify all the

shiver down my back, but then again… He's right. We're sitting around waiting on some notice from the scouts. Any minute now, shit could hit the

takes a second for me to realize Elverly disappeared. She's probably scrounging up my dinner, complaining the entire time about how I can't even walk to the

what needs to be done. I need to be as efficient as her. Less mouthy,

pathways it keeps going down,

You have to stop.

Fine.

"Yes, Luna?"

Better to be prepared in case they wear off or something. "Actually,

immediately barks out commands to get things done as I've asked. I guess he's noticed my change of

box and lock the damn lid.

the doorway with a plate piled high. Bacon, sausage, and eggs, along with a single fluffy biscuit.