Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 442: Ava: Strange New Addition

Wolf shifter men are, as a standard, larger and broader than human average. Six of them in a single minivan will certainly overpower it, but that's how they've managed to limp their way home—with a strange new addition.

"You said they were bringing a captive, not a child," I mutter to Vanessa, who seems unsurprised by the young girl's presence.

"Yes, well, age doesn't determine threat level." Vanessa's words fade into background noise as Lucas emerges.

My heart stutters. His golden eyes lock onto mine, and my world narrows to the space between us. One stride. Two. Three. His arms wrap around me, crushing me against the solid wall of his chest. The familiar scent of amber and campfire smoke floods my senses.

"You're safe." His voice rumbles through me. "When I couldn't reach you—"

"I know." My fingers curl into his shirt. Every muscle in my body unwinds, releasing tension I hadn't realized I'd been carrying. "I was worried, too."

Over Lucas's shoulder, I watch Kellan and Vester exchange a warrior's greeting—forearms clasped before Vester yanks Kellan into a quick, rough embrace. The small Fae girl between them looks even tinier, her purple hair a stark contrast against the snow. Her chains jingle as she shifts from foot to foot.

As much as I want to revel in Lucas' return, I can't ignore her.

"What are you planning to do with her?" The girl can't be more than thirteen, and something about her reminds me of myself at that age—lost, uncertain, trying to appear braver than I feel. Maybe I'm projecting.

Lucas's arms tighten fractionally. "She has information about the New Order. And about Jericho. I missed you."

The warmth of his love clashes with the ice chill of worry in my veins. I haven't seen the old man, but I'm still hoping for good news. "Jericho? Did you find him?"

clenches against my temple. "But we

eyes dart between faces, her brows pulled together as her entire body trembles. Her fingers toy with one of

she was trying to help evacuate

isn't she? I think we should have Magister Orion and his people watch her." As he nuzzles his face into my neck, breathing in deep near the mate mark over my crescent scar, I frown in the direction of the girl. Her

and soothing. "We just

I touch his arm.

The things we found..." He shakes his head. "But we'll treat her fairly. We should

Kellan and Vester

the shadows beneath my eyes.

want to drag you home and never

up. "I like this

"there's too much to talk about. They told

"Yes."

to the Magister. Maybe she'll open up

Then, he's back. "Considering the nature of our relationship with the

long time since I've thought of Dakota Sanctuary as the Unregistered City; I've forgotten how many scouts have lost their lives trying to learn more about it. The history between Fae and wolf

it odd that the other supernaturals are so interconnected, but only our wolf packs have been segregated?" I ask, as

aren't often seen even in the Registered Communities. They have no interest in working with a

Not even the humans talked

with non-wolf shifters, half-breeds, and rogue wolves. There are many other types of supernaturals—we've heard Japan has a large population of fox shifters, for example, but we have little information on them. There are also selkies and sylphs, even sprites, but from what I hear, they're

ago, but history lessons weren't a priority of mine. It's been go-go-go and survival every