Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 449: Ava: Ping

"You went through it too, didn't you?"

Scooping scrambled eggs out of a pan isn't usually hard, but the cast-iron pan isn't as non-stick as I was told it was. Or maybe I'm using it wrong. Either way, there's an entire layer of egg still on it.

I'll deal with it later.

"What do you mean?" Tossing the wooden spatula into the pan, I squint across the kitchen at Lisa, having only acquired three-quarters of the eggs onto a plate. "You can't just ask me an open-ended question without context."

Lisa's got her chin in her hand, staring out the kitchen window at the hustle and bustle outside. Clayton's group has arrived, and I'm playing hooky over my Luna responsibilities out of deference to my mate's uncomfortable feelings when it comes to the Aspen Alpha.

It isn't like I'm going to avoid him the entire time he's here, or anything. Lucas just seemed a little on edge about his arrival.

Lisa shifts in her seat, fingers drumming against her cheek. "You know, when Todd… Did what he did. Was there ever any, um, pleasure? Even if you didn't want it?"

My body freezes. I don't think of Todd Mason often anymore, but there are nightmares sometimes.

Lisa's eyes are fixed on something beyond the window; she doesn't look at me even once.

Taking a breath, I grab the plate and slide it in front of her, along with a fork. "No," I admit, the answer coming out steady despite the rawness of the topic. "I didn't. But I've heard it's more common than you'd think."

Lisa nods, poking at the eggs with her fork, but still without turning her head. It's like she's afraid of accidentally making eye contact. "Yeah. We probably watched the same documentary."

I drag out the chair across from her, dropping into it with a thud. Folding my arms on the table, I rest my chin on them, watching Lisa push the eggs around her plate without taking a bite.

The silence stretches, punctuated by distant voices outside and the scrape of her fork against ceramic. The reason she's talking now is probably because of the wardstone on the table. No one can hear us.

"Can you..." Lisa stops, clears her throat. "Can Grimoire come out? I want to know more about this link I have with the crazy bastard."

I blink, surprised by the request.

"I refuse to call him the Mad Prince anymore," Lisa adds, voice stronger now. "I've always thought it was a cringey name, anyway."

up before I can stop it. "God, it really is, isn't

themselves until Grimoire materializes in the chair to my left. He's in his adult form, but at least

want?" he asks Lisa, his words

order to meet his silver gaze.

Experience la petite mort?

his form but carrying enough magical force to

looks a little sick, her face pale against the dark curtain of her

his throat, the smirk fading from his face as he seems to register the genuine distress in

connection would fade within days," he explains, voice softer now. "But a stronger one might establish a more permanent link, even if weak. It depends on intent—was he trying to create a thrall,

around herself, shoulders hunching forward. "It's clear he wanted

"Obviously," Grimoire says.

"Then why did

indignation flaring across his features. "When did I ask you? I was explaining,

nose at Grimoire's dismissive tone. He might be ancient and powerful, but Lisa's my best friend, and nobody gets to treat her this way—especially not after everything she's been through. "One more snarky comment and

fraction, real concern flashing

I hold his gaze, refusing

me." She rubs

with greater intensity. "We really need to contact Ava's vampire friend," he says,

a dhampir,

aren't helpful right now," Grimoire

at her eggs with renewed vigor. Since she can't hear Selene, she must have

and for once, he actually sounds sympathetic. "It's unlikely we'll be able to break the bond you have with the vampire until he's

feels colder. Lisa shoves some egg into her mouth,

you have a permanent link to the

my lip, crossing my arms tight across my chest. "What are the odds,

matters. While over half of vampire attacks on humans are also sexual in nature, very few involve a long-term arrangement. Vampires are, after all, capable

as she squints in Grimoire's direction. "I have another question. Can being fed on a lot change your entire personality?

the table. "I can't be sure. Vampires are notoriously possessive of their thralls,

to squeeze her hand. Something soft pings against my awareness—it's coming from one of my