Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 454 - 454: Lucas: Ava's Era

LUCAS

I watch Clayton take his first step into Ivy's cabin, guilt curdling in my abdomen. It isn't just from failing to keep his sister safe, but also other things.

My irritation over her presence. My frustration. How I avoided her as much as possible, not wanting to feed into her delusions about her future in Wolf's Landing. These are all dirty truths I'll take with me to my grave; Clayton doesn't need to know.

I remain outside the cabin, giving the Aspen Alpha the space he needs. The wind cuts through my jacket, but I barely feel it. My attention shifts toward movement across the compound—Lisa walking with five wolves flanking her. One in front, one on each side, two behind. A few more further back, because we aren't taking chances.

My eyes narrow. Her walk seems normal—no odd twitches or hesitation in her step. She doesn't appear to be in a trance, though dark circles under her eyes betray her exhaustion. Her shoulders are tense, but that's expected with the security detail hovering around her.

What's strange is her destination. Why is she heading toward Magister Orion's temporary quarters? The Fae aren't exactly welcoming to humans, and that area contains our "guest" as well.

I activate a link with one of her guards.

Where are you taking her?

Luna Ava's orders, Alpha. She's being sent to the Fae Princess.

I give a slight nod. The explanation is reasonable; Ava trusts Lisa, and she has a light-hearted, gregarious attitude which might work better on Pip than the intimidation shifters specialize in.

Different perspectives might reveal more information.

I'll have to focus on the girl more, but things have gotten busier than normal. It's hard to keep all my duties balanced. Ava's come a long way as Luna since I first brought her to Westwood, but Kellan is the true force between the organization of our pack.

his mission is

behind me. Clayton's face is a perfect mask of neutrality as he walks down the steps. Anyone else would think he's completely composed, but I catch the

immediately.

course he does. Wouldn't

Ivy was his only surviving family. "I want to see

unnervingly calm. I've seen this before in wolves who've lost packmates—the

point toward Lisa's retreating form. "Ava's friend is heading there now. She's human. Her

follows my gesture, watching Lisa and

her," I clarify. "She's been through

his shoulders softens marginally.

little distraction. Take the edge off his grief and rage. "You hungry?" Food seems like an

the comforts of home, except… well,

head with a heavy sigh. "No, thank

you

talk." His voice is steadier now, but still taut. "Get a better feel for what you've been going through these past

rough, only getting better after cell service was restored. And now we're too paranoid

go to the debriefing tent," I say, gesturing

but he's probably fine. Still, I should probably make sure that Wes kid knows to give

in one territory always creates a certain tension, and it's a first for Wolf's Landing.

normal

tightens as he glances around.

my pace slightly, studying his profile. His eyes dart toward a cluster of wolves watching,

don't want