Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted (Ava and Lucas)

Chapter 462: Ava: Falling Into Place

Chapter 462: Ava: Falling Into Place

The unmistakable scent of ocean and pine hits me before I even round the corner to the cottage we’ve emptied for the Aspen Pack’s use. Lucas said something about it being a voluntary sacrifice on the part of some of our pack members; I have to remember to get their names.

I’m not sure what I can do to show our gratitude, but there’s probably something. Maybe extra rations. Practicality goes farther than luxuries these days... Or am I thinking too simply? I’ll have to ask Lucas what he usually does in these situations.

I prefer meat, Selene offers.

Grimoire hums. I’d rather have a new book.

Not helpful. But I guess it means I should learn more about the people to understand what they would prefer.

A vaguely familiar face opens the door when I knock, but I can’t quite place it. Clayton’s standing with his back to me as he speaks with two other wolves. My steps falter momentarily.

I haven’t seen him in a long time; since I made it clear I chose Lucas.

It would be strange not to feel a little anxious in this situation.

"Baa baa black wolf, have you any wives? Yes sir, yes sir, three lives’ time," the ghost sings overhead, twirling in erratic circles. "One for the master, and one for his dame, and one for the little girl who lives without shame."

He’s getting more coherent, Grimoire notes. Interesting.

And more annoying, Selene grumbles.

"Both of you, hush," I mutter under my breath.

Clayton turns at the sound of my voice, and I brace myself for... what, exactly? Coldness? Resentment? Pain? His name has felt synonymous with the block of guilt I’ve carried in my chest for months.

But his expression is open, his green eyes clear as he dismisses his guards with a brief nod.

"Luna of the Westwood Pack," he says, inclining his head respectfully. "I was hoping you’d find time to check on us."

My steps stutter again, but for an entirely different reason. There’s no shadow crossing his face, no hint of our complicated past in his demeanor. Just genuine respect.

Grimoire’s attention piques. Well, well. Looks like someone’s gotten over his little crush.

The proper title, Selene says, sounding oddly pleased.

shush them again as I close the

settling in?" I

Clayton gestures toward the temporary quarters Lucas assigned them. "Your

over his shoulder catches my attention. Several Aspen guards I recognize from my time in Cedarwood are

and offers

Not Miss Grey. Not even ma’am or miss.

My lips curve.

he says with a warm smile. There isn’t a hint of regret or shadow in his eyes. They’re clear and guileless,

hand, and it’s just a handshake. No electricity, no charged moment. Just a respectful greeting between two

almost makes me feel silly

never properly thanked

raises an eyebrow.

come easier than I expected. "I don’t think I would have found my

smile. "We all serve

ghost swoops down between us, making Clayton step

pine tree’s sister dances with shadows! Shadows creep and shadows swallow! The silver-haired woman sleeps beneath

entire body goes rigid. "What is

since we found him near the perimeter.

the twirling

think..." I hesitate, unsure how to say this. "I think he might know something about Ivy. He talks in riddles, but he mentioned ’the pine tree’s sister’ just now. He’s mentioned her before, too. But we can’t

me. If you learn anything concrete from it, I’d appreciate being informed immediately." He looks at me directly. "I defer to your expertise

laugh at that. "Ghosts aren’t

than wolf, though, Grimoire

alpha runs a hand through his hair with a rueful chuckle, though his eyes are cold when he watches the ghost float by. "Whatever they are, they’re outside my realm of

* * *

wolves’ cottage, I run into Lisa—almost literally. She has a cigarette

you take

stare at me in confusion before she looks down at her

tilt my head.

rings, ghost things, coughing in the dark—Cancer’s

ballerina beside her, but shakes off her unease as she answers. "Mm.

say about a sweet shaped like one of the most cancerous addictions in the world. Though the

eyes have lightened, and her shoulders are more relaxed. She tucks the candy