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.

mentally shush them again as

in?" I ask, finding

be expected under the circumstances." Clayton gestures toward the temporary quarters Lucas assigned them. "Your mate has been impressively accommodating, considering the situation Westwood is in. It is greatly appreciated

over his shoulder catches my attention. Several Aspen guards I recognize from

watching and offers

Not even ma’am or miss. Just the proper

My lips curve.

with the esteemed Luna of the Westwood Pack," he says with a warm smile. There isn’t a hint of regret or shadow in his eyes. They’re clear and guileless, staring at me for who I am. The me now, the one without him by

electricity, no charged moment. Just a respectful greeting between

silly for worrying about

I never properly thanked you," I

raises an eyebrow. "For

needed it. For being a friend when I was lost." The words come easier than I expected. "I don’t think I would have found

smile. "We all serve our purpose in

Clayton step back

creep and shadows swallow! The silver-haired

entire body goes

we found him near

the twirling spirit with newfound

he might know something about Ivy. He talks in riddles, but he mentioned ’the pine tree’s sister’ just now. He’s

but his composure doesn’t crack. After a long moment, he nods. "Thank you for telling me. If you learn anything

almost laugh at that. "Ghosts aren’t magic," I say automatically.

magic than wolf, though, Grimoire counters

Aspen alpha runs a hand through his hair with a rueful chuckle, though his eyes are cold when he watches the

* * *

way back from the Aspen wolves’ cottage, I run into Lisa—almost literally. She has a cigarette in hand and looks stressed.

you take

me in confusion before she looks down at her hand. "Oh. No, it isn’t a

my head.

"Smoke rings, ghost things, coughing in the dark—Cancer’s just a bedtime kiss if you miss

and stares at the strange spirit giving its best impression of a ballerina beside her, but shakes off her unease as she answers. "Mm. Yeah.

to say about a sweet shaped like one of the most cancerous addictions in

looks... better than earlier. The shadows under her eyes have lightened, and her shoulders are more relaxed. She tucks the candy into her