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

mild, though. It's not bothering her that much; she just thinks my naming sense

she'll be a

call them something stupid. Like Lemon. Or Grape.

idea of shouting for a toddler named Sawdust to come

reminiscent of eagle's claws. "Have you

actually been gaining weight, though I don't argue with the gnome. Her harsh words are always meant to hide her true feelings. "No. I was kind

Apparently Functioning Luna in Crisis also has

Guess it's bothering

No. It's just childish.

Oh.

it wasn't a pack-wide tragedy that just

I haven't even gone to identify all the dead and wounded. That's next on

Grimoire's doom-and-gloom observation sends a little shiver down my back, but then again… He's right. We're sitting

scrounging up my dinner, complaining the entire time about how I can't even walk to the cafeteria to get

She might grumble, but she does what needs to be done. I need to be as efficient as her. Less

Yanking my brain out of these stupid side pathways it keeps going

You have to stop.

Fine.

"Yes, Luna?"

ropes. I'll engrave them with runes, too." Better to be prepared in case they wear off or something. "Actually, get me a few. We should have some for backup." Never know when we'll have

thoughtful, even as he immediately barks out commands to get things done as I've asked. I guess he's noticed my change of mindset. Good. That means what I'm

stupid shit into a box and lock the

Bacon, sausage, and eggs, along with a single fluffy biscuit. "Eat," she