Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 446: Ava: Angry

Vanessa sighs. "I'm not familiar enough with vampires to give much advice here. We really need to work on our inter-species medical knowledge."

"It isn't just vampires, though. Lisa didn't like men being near her. That's probably a trauma response, don't you think?"

She pinches the bridge of her nose, and I realize her fingers seem swollen. The dark circles under her eyes are pronounced, and her dark hair—normally pulled back into a professional ponytail—is a mess. "Yes, I would assume so. I'm not a counselor, though. If it's that bad, she's going to need serious intervention with a professional." Her eyes dart toward me, as if underlining her suggestion.

She probably is. She's suggested the same for me on several occasions, and I keep blowing her off.

Therapy, Selene muses.

They both need it.

Ignoring my ever-present voices, I watch Kellan instead. He's standing by the bathroom door with his arms crossed, waiting for Lisa to come out. She's been in there for at least half an hour, and the hot water should be depleted by now.

At least Lisa has Kellan by her side. Someone who's kind and sweet and waits for her. Their relationship isn't solid yet, and it's clearly from Lisa holding back, but it isn't fractured, either. Maybe I should schedule some girl time and talk to her. She never liked the idea of a fated mate connection forcing her hand, but she's not as resistant as she once was…

My stomach twists. I'm sitting here wondering if I can convince her to mate bond with Kellan when she isn't ready. You can't just push a mate bond like that.

It's not a bad idea, though, Selene pipes up. Having a properly cemented bond would probably weaken, if not destroy, any connection the vampire has with her. But her words are a little hesitant.

A mate bond won't destroy a previously existing bond, but her ability to resist will be strengthened based on the strength of her partner, Grimoire lectures Selene in that pompous way of his. It is a good idea, but humans can be rather closed-minded to lifetime contracts.

What is this connection the Mad Prince still holds over Lisa? We've talked about her experience as a captive, but it isn't like she went into extreme detail. Selene sensed nothing, and Sister Miriam never said anything, so we assumed she was free of his influence this entire time… "We were too complacent," I murmur.

She doesn't smell as if she's contracted, Selene points out. Whatever it is, it has to be temporary.

Scent means nothing.

"…more worried about her getting hurt. It seems to be some sort of compulsion, don't you think?"

Vanessa's words break through the noise of Selene and Grimoire's conversation, and I blink. "Sorry, can you say that again?"

Vanessa clears her throat. "I'm worried about Lisa having another episode. Whatever happened out there seems like some sort of compulsion, and she might get hurt if we try to stop her again." Her gaze shifts to Kellan, who hasn't moved from his post by the bathroom door. "Restricting her movements wouldn't be good for her mental state, but we still need to consider options in case it happens again."

The air around Kellan darkens, his broad shoulders tensing as he stares at the front door. My stomach twists at his expression—I know that look. It's the same one Lucas gets when he thinks I need protection.

of keeping

would be easier if I could," Kellan growls, his words rough and hard. Vanessa

shirt

heart breaks. I step forward, ready to defend her, but Vanessa beats me

if another episode occurs." Vanessa's voice stays calm

closes. A flush creeps up her neck as her

stare lands on Lisa, I'm pretty sure he's thinking about locking her in their cabin until the Mad Prince

doesn't seem to notice. "A

her. "No, nothing that dramatic. Just a regular injectable. Though I should warn you, it'll probably

is what it is." Lisa's

chest in a swift movement. Lisa stiffens, her hands coming up as if to push him away—but then she just stares at his face for a long time. Something in his expression must change her mind, because she lets out a soft

A small smile tugs at her lips,

you figured out?" Lisa's voice is muffled against Kellan's shirt. "About what happened

definitely think you're under some kind of vampire compulsion.

against Kellan's hold, as if he's squeezing her too hard. His tense arms

It's cute.

eyes slide off to a random corner of the room, like she doesn't want to make eye

cross-legged in

long did

twist in the hem of her shirt. "I don't...

Grimoire presses. "How did

memory's fuzzy around

narrow. "Did you achieve

the room, and Kellan's arms tighten

carries an edge of annoyance, and I have to stifle the urge to smack him over his insensitivity. "The physical

shut," Kellan snarls,

him flinch. The growling stops, but the tension in

"Why is that important?" Her eyes fix on the floor as she continues, her words a bare

trying so hard not to say directly. For

worry clear

Lisa—not me. The things I've experienced… I shove those memories far

the stronger the